Coach Ian Foster has named his strongest possible side to face South Africa on Saturday, as the All Blacks look to seal the Rugby Championship title in Townsville in what will be the 100th test between the two sides.
Fresh from a convincing 36-13 victory over Argentina in Brisbane with the supposed 'second string,' the All Blacks' frontliners return to the starting side against their fiercest rivals.
In the front row, Joe Moody keeps his place in the No. 1 jersey, while Codie Taylor and Nepo Laulala return to the starting XV, while Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett make up the second row.
In the loose forward trio, Akira Ioane returns following his impressive performances against Australia and Argentina, displacing Ethan Blackadder in the No. 6 jersey. Ardie Savea keeps hold of the No. 7 jersey as captain, while Luke Jacobson anchors the scrum at No. 8.
TJ Perenara is preferred to Brad Weber at halfback, and will partner first-five Beauden Barrett.
Rieko Ioane will start at centre, after impressing on both the wing and midfield so far in 2021, with David Havili keeping his spot as the first-choice at second-five.
In the outside backs, Jordie Barrett takes the fullback spot ahead of Damian McKenzie - who wore the No. 10 in last week's win over Argentina, with George Bridge and try-scoring phenomenon Will Jordan selected as the two wingers.
"The whole team is excited at what lies ahead this weekend," Foster says.
"The group is working hard, we have been building our performances and we've put ourselves in a great position to win the Fortinet Rugby Championship and that's really exciting for the team.
"The fact that it is against South Africa is pretty special.
"For us, as a team, we're trying to zone in on what we want to do in this game. We are all aware of the history and legacy of this match and respect that, but the only way we can do justice to that is to prepare well and focus on what we have to do.
"We're excited and getting ready for what will be a huge challenge. It will be the first time a number of our guys have played South Africa so they're excited and ready for it."
With four wins and no losses so far in this year's Rugby Championship, a solitary point against South Africa will give Foster's side the title.
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Scott Barrett, 6-Akira Ioane, 7- Ardie Savea (captain), 8-Luke Jacobson, 9-TJ Perenara, 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-George Bridge, 12-David Havili, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Will Jordan, 15-Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: 16-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17-Karl Tui'nukuafe, 18-Ofa Tuungafasi, 19-Patrick Tuipulotu, 20-Ethan Blackadder, 21-Brad Weber, 22-Damian McKenzie, 23-Quinn Tupaea.
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