Richie McCaw will play his 100th test for the All Blacks leading out a full strength side against Japan in their second World Cup match on Friday.
Mils Muliana is back in the team at fullback.
Other changes from the opening match see Cory Jane back on the right wing, Conrad Smith at centre and Andy Ellis handed the starting duties at halfback.
In the forwards Adam Thomson returns from injury to play No 8, Sam Whitelock starts at lock and Keven Mealamu is back at hooker.
The All Blacks coaches have clearly seen it as their chance to finalise their options ahead of their big Pool A clash against France at Eden Park next Saturday.
The starting 15 for the All Blacks are:
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
The All Blacks and Japan match kicks off at 8pm this Friday.
Story by: Dhanjay Deo
All Blacks name team to face Japan
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