Leon MacDonald has named six internationals in his All Blacks XV side to face Japan XV at Tokyo on Saturday, led by co-captains Brad Weber and Billy Harmon.
Returning to action after their first competitive outings in 2022, the All Blacks XV is a second-string outfit to the national side, giving players international experience below test level.
After missing out on the Rugby Championship squad, Weber has been named as co-captain and starts at halfback. Fellow co-captain Billy Harmon - who was a non-playing member of the All Blacks' northern tour squad last year - starts on the bench, after a strong season for the Highlanders.
In the loose forwards, Akira Ioane - another overlooked by the All Blacks - starts at blindside flanker, while Blues teammate Stephen Perofeta takes the reins at first-five.
In the midfield, Jack Goodhue starts, despite signing with French side Castres in 2024.
On the bench, All Blacks pair Folau Fakatava and Brett Cameron have been named to cover Weber and Perofeta respectively.
As well as the capped internationals, several exciting talents tipped to contend for test selection also feature.
In the backs, Chiefs winger Etene Nanai-Seturo starts on the left wing, with Bailyn Sullivan on the right flank at No.14. Hurricanes talent Ruben Love has been named at fullback to complete the back three.
"With a short lead-in to kickoff, it's about balancing the team with experienced players and emerging talent," said MacDonald. "It's going to be an incredibly proud moment for the team and their whanau, especially for those players representing New Zealand for the first time."
All Blacks XV: 1-Xavier Numia, 2-Ricky Riccitelli, 3-Jermaine Ainsley, 4-Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5-Quentin Strange, 6-Akira Ioane, 7-Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8-Christian Lio-Willie, 9-Brad Weber (cc), 10-Stephen Perofeta, 11-Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12-Jack Goodhue, 13-Alex Nankivell, 14-Bailyn Sullivan, 15-Ruben Love
Reserves: 16-Tyrone Thompson, 17-Ollie Norris, 18-Pouri Rakete-Stones, 19-Cameron Suafoa, 20-Billy Harmon (cc), 21-Folau Fakatava, 22-Brett Cameron, 23-Sam Gilbert
