New Zealand announce full-strength team for Samoa
New Zealand have announce their 23-man squad to face Samoa on Friday night in their final preparation for the British and Irish Lions Test series.
Coach Steve Hansen has selected a fully-loaded All Blacks side to face the Pacific islanders in the Pasifika Challenge on Friday.
And the side is littered with all-stars, including a starting berth in the centre for Sonny Bill Williams — his first since the 2015 World Cup final.
Steve Hansen has announced his New Zealand squad to face Samoa on Friday night
Sonny Bill Williams will play his first international for the All Blacks since the 2015 World Cup
Williams showcased a glimpse of why he made the switch from rugby league during his performance for the Auckland Blues against the Lions — where his slight-of-hand was enough to send Ihaia West through for the definitive score.
The half-back combination of Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett, who steps in to win his 50th cap for the injured Aaron Cruden, will also be flanked by deadly wings Israel Dagg and Julian Savea and captain Ben Smith at full back.
There is, however, a notable omission. Waisake Naholo was tipped for a place in the squad after his showing for the Highlanders on Saturday.
While in the forwards, the powerhouse second row combination of Brodie Retallick and Samuel Whitelock will be in the engine room.
Beauden Barrett will win his 50th international cap in the place of injured Aaron Cruden at 10
There is no place for Wisake Naholo despite his powerful performance against the Lions
Ardie Savea, brother of Julian, will start at No 8 in the absence of veteran Kieran Read
Jerome Kano is fit enough to take his place regular place at blindside flanker but will be joined in the back row by Ardie Savea in the absence of the injured Kieran Read.
ALL BLACKS TEAM NEW ZEALAND: Smith (c); Dagg, Lienert-Brown, Williams, J Savea; B Barrett, Smith; Moody, Taylor, Franks; Retallick, Whitelock; Kaino, Cane, A Savea Replacements: Harris, Crockett, Faumuina, S Barrett, Fifita, Perenara, Sopoaga, J Barrett.
Hansen has also named two uncapped players on the bench in the form of Vaea Fifita and Jordie Barrett.
Warren Gatland and his coaching staff will be watching with a close eye on proceedings at Eden Park on Friday as his side gear up for the final two games for the Tests.
The Lions begin their three-Test series against the world's No 1 side in 10 days time at the same ground and Gatland will hope the Samoa clash will give his side some indication of how they will play when the Lions come to town.