Ryan Crotty replaces an injured Sonny Bill Williams in the only change to the All Blacks team to meet Ireland in their clash of the world’s top-ranked teams in Dublin.
Veteran inside centre Williams damaged a shoulder during last week’s 16-15 win over England at Twickenham and may yet recover for the tour-ending Test against Italy next week.
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The reliable Crotty joins Crusaders team-mate Jack Goodhue in the starting midfield, with Anton Lienert-Brown promoted to the bench.
Crotty’s presence will not be appreciated by Irish fans with a long memory – he scored the match-winning try long after the full-time hooter in New Zealand’s famous 24-22 win in Dublin five years ago.
Hansen said he will have no problem lifting his world champion side for their world No 2-ranked foe, who have lost just two of their last 25 home matches. The most recent was to the All Blacks, two years ago.
“These are the types of Test matches that gets everyone up – it’s No 1 versus No 2 – and there’s a real excitement that’s building as we get closer to Saturday,” Hansen said.
“We’ll be playing an opponent who will want to keep the ball for long periods of time, and if they aren’t getting what they want, then they’ll kick and try to pressure us.”
Hansen identified the set piece battle as critical. That was the case at Twickenham when a dominant New Zealand lineout display in the second half helped turn the tide after England had controlled the opening half-hour to lead 15-0.
Starting halfback Aaron Smith will play his 82nd Test, overtaking Justin Marshall as the most capped All Black in that position.
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It will also be the 50th start together for locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, moving them one ahead of Robin Brooke and Ian Jones as the most for any New Zealand combination.
The team is led again by captain Kieran Read, who last week became just the fourth player in Test rugby to notch 100 wins. The others were all All Blacks contemporaries – former skipper Richie McCaw (131 wins), Keven Mealamu (114) and Tony Woodcock (102).
New Zealand: 15-Damian McKenzie, 14-Ben Smith, 13-Jack Goodhue, 12-Ryan Crotty, 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Beauden Barrett, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Kieran Read (captain), 7-Ardie Savea, 6-Liam Squire, 5-Sam Whitelock, 4-Brodie Retallick, 3-Owen Franks, 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Karl Tu’inukuafe. Replacements: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Ofa Tuungafasi, 18-Nepo Laulala, 19-Scott Barrett, 20-Matt Todd, 21-TJ Perenara, 22-Richie Mo’unga, 23-Anton Lienert-Brown.