Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for the first time when they take on Japan in Yokohama this Saturday.
Tuipulotu will have the extensive experience of Sam Cane and Anton Lienert-Brown, with 179 tests between them, to support him as vice-captains.
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Two players will have the opportunity to make their All Blacks Test debut, with loose forward Peter Lakai and outside back Ruben Love both named as impact players, while Pasilio Tosi will make his first start at prop.
Tosi will be joined by Tamaiti Williams and Asafo Aumua in the front row and Sam Darry will join Tuipulotu at lock. Wallace Sititi moves into No 8 and Samipeni Finau will play at No 6 to make up the loose forward trio with Cane.
Halfback Cameron Roigard returns to the All Blacks for the first time in 2024, while Stephen Perofeta also returns from injury to take the fullback spot. Billy Proctor will earn just his second cap at centre.
Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece will take the wings, and Damian McKenzie will complete the back line at first five-eighth.
Front row cover will be provided by Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell and George Bell, in just his second All Blacks test. Josh Lord will cover lock, and TJ Perenara and David Havili will join Love as back line cover.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said the team was looking forward to getting the Northern Tour underway.
“We have had a fantastic few days in Tokyo so far and the energy in the group as we kick off this tour is exciting to see.
“We will bring that energy when we face the Brave Blossoms on Saturday, as we know that Japan will play a fast, attacking game.
“We are all thrilled for Ruben and Peter who will get their chance to make their mark on the black jersey for the first time, and for Stephen and Cam who have both worked hard to make their return from injury.
“Congratulations also to Patrick for being named as All Blacks captain. Pat has great mana, leadership and experience; it’s a proud moment for him and his whānau.
“The welcome and hospitality we have received in Japan has been very humbling, so we look forward to repaying this support with a performance to be proud of on Saturday,” said Robertson.
It will be the first time the two sides have played in Yokohama.
ALL BLACKS: Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Tele'a, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard, Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Peter Lakai, David Havili, Ruben Love