First-five-eighth Beauden Barrett will start against Wales in the All Blacks' final Test of the year in Cardif on Sunday, getting the nod ahead of Colin Slade, Aaron Cruden and Dan Carter.
Beauden Barrett Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Colin Slade has been named on the reserves bench, meaning Carter and Cruden will sit the Test out.
Coach Steve Hansen said selectors wanted to see Barrett and Cruden start against strong opposition on this tour.
Cruden had started against England and it was now Barrett's turn to wear the number 10 jersey, against Wales, Hansen said.
Slade was picked in the reserves as he could cover more positions in the back line than Cruden, he said.
The All Blacks meet Wales at 6.30am on Sunday morning.
Starting XV (number of Tests in brackets):
- 1. Wyatt Crockett (35)
- 2. Dane Coles (26)
- 3. Owen Franks (66)
- 4. Brodie Retallick (35)
- 5. Samuel Whitelock (61)
- 6. Jerome Kaino (55)
- 7. Richie McCaw - captain (136)
- 8. Kieran Read (71)
- 9. Aaron Smith (37)
- 10. Beauden Barrett (27)
- 11. Julian Savea (32)
- 12. Sonny Bill Williams (22)
- 13. Conrad Smith (84)
- 14. Charles Piutau (13)
- 15. Ben Smith (37)
Reserves:
- 16. Keven Mealamu (122)
- 17. Joe Moody (7)
- 18. Charlie Faumuina (26)
- 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (6)
- 20. Liam Messam (39)
- 21. TJ Perenara (10)
- 22. Colin Slade (16)
- 23. Ryan Crotty (12)
