Thursday 20 October 2016 10:37, UK
Winger Julian Savea has been restored to the New Zealand line-up for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match against Australia.
Savea's recall is the only change to the line-up which took South Africa apart two weeks ago, winning 57-15.
Australia coach Michael Cheika meanwhile upped the psychological stakes by delaying the naming of his starting team until Friday.
New Zealand will set a new world record for consecutive international victories by a tier-one nation if they win their 18th in a row.
Savea replaces Waisake Naholo on the left wing as the All Blacks selectors continue their efforts to allow the giant winger to play himself into form after a disappointing season.
Two further changes have been made on the bench where fly-half Aaron Cruden replaces Lima Sopoaga and centre Malakai Fekitoa takes over from George Moala.
Kieran Read will also establish an individual world record on Saturday if he can lead New Zealand to his 19th straight win as a captain.
That would break the record of 18 wins as captain held by England's Martin Johnson.
Head coach Steve Hansen said the All Blacks were mentally and physically fresh from a two-week break.
"The squad is feeling refreshed and raring to go and we're all looking forward to what we know is a hugely-anticipated Test match at Eden Park," Hansen said. "Australia will be coming here with a lot more confidence than when we played earlier in the season.
"They've made some significant changes to their game. They've said they are keen to bring it on and have outlined their intentions so the stage is set for another huge trans-Tasman battle."
Australia back-row Michael Hooper admitted the players were surprised that Cheika had delayed naming the team.
"It's a bit of a mystery for everyone," Hooper said. "But it's been good competition across the week and I think that's been a focus for 'Cheik,' to keep guys interested and getting them chasing a spot. We need guys firing for the weekend."
New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara; 1 Joe Moody, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Matt Todd, 8 Kieran Read (c).
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Liam Squire, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.
