The All Blacks have named their least experienced midfield combo for their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match against Ireland on Saturday night in Tokyo.
Beauden Barrett Photo: PhotoSport
The in-form Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue will partner in the midfield in an otherwise experienced All Blacks line up.
Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Nepo Laulala make up the front row, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are the starting locks, while Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Kieran Read are the loose forward trio.
Aaron Smith has been named the starting halfback, Richie Mo'unga at first five, George Bridge and Sevu Reece are on the wings and Beauden Barrett is at fullback.
Dane Coles, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Sonny Bill Williams and Jordie Barrett will all add impact from the bench, leaving no room for veteran fullback Ben Smith.
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen at the naming of the All Blacks team to play Ireland at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Head coach Steve Hansen said they felt they had selected a "great mixture of talent".
"The squad includes many players who have a lot of Rugby World Cup knockout match experience. Together with our experienced management team, that brings a deep understanding of what is needed to get the job done."
Hansen said all 31 players in the RWC squad were fit and available for selection.
The game will be captain Kieran Read's 125th Test.
Seven players - Laulala, Tuungafasi, Ta'avao, Taylor, Whitelock, Savea and Perenara - will be playing their fourth consecutive World Cup match.
The matchday 23 (Test caps in brackets):
1: Joe Moody (43)
2: Codie Taylor (48)
3: Nepo Laulala (23)
4: Brodie Retallick (78)
5: Samuel Whitelock (115)
6: Ardie Savea (42)
7: Sam Cane (65)
8: Kieran Read - captain (124)
9: Aaron Smith (89)
10: Richie Mo'unga (14)
11: George Bridge (7)
12: Anton Lienert-Brown (40)
13: Jack Goodhue (11)
14: Sevu Reece (5)
15: Beauden Barrett (80)
16: Dane Coles (66)
17: Ofa Tuungafasi (33)
18: Angus Ta'avao (11)
19: Scott Barrett (33)
20: Matt Todd (23)
21: T J Perenara (62)
22: Sonny Bill Williams (55)
23: Jordie Barrett (14)
The game at Tokyo Stadium kicks off at 11.15pm (NZT) on Saturday.
