Coach Ian Foster has returned to his top line up for a showdown under the roof against Wales on Sunday (NZ time).
The test will be halfback Aaron Smith's 113th test, overtaking Dan Carter as the most capped All Black back.
But it’s Jordie Barrett whose stomach is in knots heading into the match at Cardiff's famous Principality Stadium.
"It's a game we really look forward to playing here," said Foster. "It's a special place here with the stadium."
Last year, COVID-19 kept the roof on the iconic stadium open. But an inclement weather forecast means it will be shut when the teams take the field this weekend, which will further amplify the home advantage.
"Closed roof, dry ball. You just feel like the crowd's on top of you," said Jordie Barrett.
The pressure is already well and truly on for Barrett, starting the moment he discovered he'd be making his second test start in the No. 12 jersey, rather than his regular role at fullback.
"There was an extra bit of a knot in the gut you could call it, it's more just excitement," he said.
"I've never been presented with a challenge up in the midfield against these northern hemisphere teams."
He'll have support on and off the field from midfield partner Rieko Ioane.
"If you've got a good upfront punch, it makes my job of organising and setting our outsides alight a lot easier," said Ioane.
But the 'bromance' in the midfield needs to be teamed with consistency across the park.
The All Blacks have lost four of their last 10 tests and the legacy of the jersey looms large in the Welsh capital.
The tourists are targeting a 33rd successive win against Wales. They haven’t lost to the side since 1953 - 69 years of winning history.
But a lot has changed in a year, with a rollercoaster campaign that's seen them lose to Argentina for the first time on home soil and, more recently, pushed to the limit against Japan.
During last year's northern tour, the All Blacks ranaway with a 54-16 win against a depleted Wales side, and they're well aware they'll face a different proposition on Sunday.
"We're under no illusion things are going to be as easy as they were last time
Ioane added: "I think this 23 this week are definitely looking forward to putting in a better performance."
