Wellington Lions captain Du’Plessis Kirifi will lead the All Blacks XV in the first match of their Northern Tour against Munster.
The ABs XV will face the leading Irish province at Thomond Park in Limerick on Saturday (kick-off 6.30am Sunday NZ Time), with Auckland first-five Harry Plummer set to support Kirifi as vice-captain.
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All Blacks XV head coach Clayton McMillan, alongside assistant coaches Jamie Mackintosh, Cory Jane and David Hill, named a match-day 23 with seven capped All Blacks players, but just one, prop George Bower, in the forwards.
“There is a long-standing rivalry between New Zealand teams and Munster. We are expecting an intense, competitive clash in front of a sold-out passionate Irish crowd in Limerick,” said McMillan.
McMillan said Kirifi and Plummer's leadership would be an asset to the team.
“Du’Plessis has experience in the All Blacks XV environment and is a natural leader, who holds mana within the team. Harry had an outstanding Super Rugby Pacific season and has been in the All Blacks squad this year, so his leadership will be immense in attack.
“We’ve had a short lead-in to this first match, the team is a blend of experience with younger rising talent. The players are all out to showcase their skills and make the most of the opportunity to play on an international scale, representing New Zealand."
The All Blacks XV starting front row features loosehead prop Bower, tighthead prop George Dyer and Brodie McAlister at hooker. Bradley Slater, Xavier Numia and Marcel Renata will provide impact off the bench.
Isaia Walker-Leawere and Fabian Holland make up the locking duo, with Oliver Haig, Kirifi and Devan Flanders the loose forward trio. Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Corey Kellow were named on the bench.
In the backs, the experienced Blues and All Blacks combination of Finlay Christie and Plummer will take the field at halfback and first-five, with recent All Blacks No 9 Noah Hotham on the bench.
With an equally strong midfield, Quinn Tupaea returns to international rugby in the No 12 jersey and AJ Lam starts at centre.
The back three is made up of Kini Naholo on the left wing, Chay Fihaki on the right and Shaun Stevenson at fullback. Stand out NPC player Josh Jacomb and recent All Blacks debutant Ruben Love will be injected off the bench.
ALL BLACKS XV: Shaun Stevenson*, Chay Fihaki, AJ Lam, Quinn Tupaea*, Kini Naholo, Harry Plummer (vice-captain)*, Finlay Christie*, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi (captain), Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Isaia Walker-Leawere, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, George Bower*. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Xavier Numia, Marcel Renata, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham*, Josh Jacomb, Ruben Love*
* Capped All Blacks player