All Blacks aces Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert-Brown will make their first Test appearances of 2021 in Saturday’s rematch with Fiji in Hamilton.
It will also be the 50th Test match for both players.
“To play 50 games for the All Blacks is pretty special and it’s also special that they get to do it together,” All Blacks coach Ian Foster said.
“Both are really influential players, they’re excited and will have some proud families coming along to watch.”
Pressure is building on Foster who has had an underwhelming start to his tenure and is off contract at the end of the year.
He has signalled that Richie Mo’unga remains his first choice five-eighth after recalling the Crusaders star in place of last week’s No.10 Beauden Barrett, who drops to the bench.
Other interesting selections are David Havili starting ahead of Rieko Ioane in midfield, Scott Barrett edging Brodie Retallick at lock, Damian McKenzie picked ahead of Jordie Barrett at fullback and Luke Jacobson and Akira Ioane getting the nod in a highly competitive loose forward mix.
Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho is in line for his Test debut off the bench after Dane Coles (calf) was ruled out on match eve.
“It was the second Test of the year for us last weekend and we were pretty happy with our performance,” Foster said.
“There were a lot of views about our performance and that’s the beauty of being in this team: people expect perfection.
“We took some really good steps up from the week before (against Tonga) and we were satisfied with our performance, but it did highlight some areas we need to keep growing.
“This Steinlager Series campaign has been about growing our game and making sure we have players that are ready to go for what will be a long season.”
Meanwhile, Fiji have named Rebels utility Frank Lomani to start at halfback after he was able to travel across the Tasman from Australia.
New Rebels recruit Moses Sorovi is on the bench but captain Levani Botia has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Lock Leone Nakarawa will captain the tourists instead.
“Earlier in the week we knew we had a doubt with Levani and we spoke to Leone,” coach Vern Cotter said.
“He has already been looking after the lineouts and now he takes on a wider leadership role, but he does that naturally with his excellent leadership skills.”
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea, Akira Ioane, Sam Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, Angus Ta’avao, Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane
FIJI (15-1): Kini Murimurivalu, Setareki Tuicuvu, Waisea Nayacalevu, Eneriko Buliruarua, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani, Peceli Yato, Mesulame Kunavula, Johnny Dyer, Leone Nakarawa (c), Temo Mayanavanua, Mesaki Doge, Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai
Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Leeroy Atalifo, Albert Tuisue, Kitione Kamikamica, Moses Sorovi, Teti Tela, Manasa Mataele
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