Team News: Auckland winger Anthony Tuitavake will make his test debut for New Zealand in Saturday's one-off match against Ireland in Wellington.
Tuitavake was the only uncapped player in Graham Henry's starting 15 although the selectors did pick three new faces on the reserves' bench, Auckland lock Anthony Boric, Waikato flyhalf Stephen Donald and Otago flanker Adam Thomson.
Henry, who was heavily criticised after the All Blacks lost to France in the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup, opted for a new look team in a fresh start to the season.
There were just six survivors from the side that lost to France,
including two in different positions.
Mils Muliaina was moved from centre to his preferred position
at fullback while Rodney So'oialo was switched from number eight to
blindside flanker in place of the retired Jerry Collins.
"We've gone for established combinations where possible,"
Henry said in a statement.
"We've also had to factor in a few injuries and are mindful
that several players were involved in the Super 14 final on the
weekend.
"The challenge is to work in our new players and new game
plan.
"We expect Ireland to be well prepared, experienced and perhaps
with some new confidence as well after Munster's success in the
European championship."
Centre Richard Kahui, scrumhalf Brendon Leonard and prop Tony
Woodcock were unavailable because of injury while number eight
Sione Lauaki was given another week off to recover from a hamstring
strain.
Prop Greg Somerville was also ordered to take another week
off after a heavy workload leading up to last weekend's Super 14
final but is expected to be recalled when the All Blacks play
England a week later.
"There's a huge amount to do in a short period of time, it's
just a matter of trying to make sure we cover the essentials,"
Henry said.
"Just getting that balance right's important, we're making sure we're giving the guys what they can handle."
Tuitavake, 25, earned his spot after a string of impressive
displays for the Auckland Blues.
A powerful finisher, he had previously represented New
Zealand at Under 19s and Under 21s and Sevens.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake,
Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Andy Ellis;
Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So'oialo, Ali Willliams,
Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Andrew Hore, Neemia
Tialata.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald.
