All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has made four changes to his line-up ahead of Saturday’s Test match against Ireland at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
Beauden Barrett returns from a shoulder injury to start at flyhalf, while Caleb Clarke recovers from an ankle injury to start at left wing.
Quinn Tupaea remains at center after impressing for New Zealand in the recent Test against Australia.
In the forwards, Ethan de Groot will start at loosehead prop after recovering from concussion, while lock Josh Lord will join the matchday line-up on the bench in place of injured Patrick Tuipulotu.
De Groot’s return means prop Tamaiti Williams will start on the bench, with Damian McKenzie and Lester Fainghanuku also moved to the bench following the return of Barrett and Clarke.
The game against Ireland begins the All Blacks’ first ‘Grand Slam’ tour in 15 years, with them facing Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales over successive weekends. New Zealand last won a Grand Slam in 2005.
Ireland achieved their first-ever victory over the All Blacks in 2016 when the two teams met at Soldier Field.
“This is a great match to kick off our trip up north,” Robertson said. “The Irish are a strong team and will have a large crowd of supporters here in Chicago, so we are preparing for an exciting clash on the stage at Soldier Field.
“We have had a great week together leading up to the test and now we are looking forward to the contest on Saturday afternoon.”
Tupaea had an impressive game when the All Blacks defeated Australia 28-14 in Perth in early October. He remains in a midfield partnership with Jordie Barrett.
Peter Lakai also maintained eighth place with his backrow combination of Ardie Savea and Simon Parker.
Barrett returns to play half with Cam Rougaard.
With Tupou Vaai still absent due to injury, Fabian Holland will form a second-row partnership with captain Scott Barrett.
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Hooker Samisoni Taukeiaho and back-rowers Wallace Siti and Faingaanuku will make an impact off the bench.
Meanwhile, Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is set to make his Test debut off the bench for the Ireland squad, having been named by head coach Andy Farrell.
Dan Sheehan has been named in the front row alongside Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong and will captain Ireland for the second time at Soldier Field.
Farrell named Jack Crowley at flyhalf to partner New Zealand-born scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park. Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Kiwi-born James Rowe will form Ireland’s back three, with Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose joining them in midfield.
A strong bench includes Ronan Kelleher, McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Ian Henderson and the returning Caelan Doris as substitutes up front, with Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundy Aki covering the backline.
New Zealand starting lineup:
Ethan de Groot, Cody Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (captain), Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Peter Lakay, Cam Rougaard, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan.
Alternatives:
Samshi 5: People hired by the audience: Udaipur, Amchai, Udaipur.