The trio of siblings will take their family cap tally up to 212 with Beauden playing at full back, Jordie at centre and Scott in the second row. The returning scrum half Aaron Smith will overtake his former half-back partner, Dan Carter, as New Zealand’s most capped back with his 113th appearance.
Sam Whitelock comes into the second row to lead the side. The only survivors from the starting XV in Tokyo are wings Sevu Reece and Caleb Clarke, outside half Richie Mo’unga and flanker Shannon Frizell.
“Playing Wales on the road always represents an exciting challenge. We have a number of players returning to the side and we know we will need to play with a high-intensity against this physical Welsh team,” said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.
“Last year the roof at Principality Stadium was open due to Covid regulations but this time it will be closed. It will ensure an amazing atmosphere for fans and players.”
Completing the forward pack, is the loose forward trio of Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i and Shannon Frizell.
The new All Blacks forwards coach, John Ryan, will have a completely new front five to prepare for the game and also has two new members in the back row. He believes Wales will provide a massive test.
“This will be a bit of a benchmark to see where we’re at as an All Blacks forward pack. We’re going to have to be right up there with our Ellis Park performance (in the Rugby Championship),” said Ryan.
“All teams bring something different, but Wales pride themselves in that area and they’re real tough around the ball. We really respect them.
“They pride themselves on forward play, they have some good innovation, and want to play quick. We’ve got to be right on it and we’re looking forward to what is a good challenge for us and, I think, it’s come at a good time.”
NEW ZEALAND
15. Beauden Barrett (109 caps)
14. Sevu Reece (22)
13. Rieko Ioane (56)
12. Jordie Barrett (45)
11. Caleb Clarke (12)
10. Richie Mo’unga (42)
9. Aaron Smith (112)
1. Ethan de Groot (10)
2. Codie Taylor (73)
3. Tyrel Lomax (21)
4. Samuel Whitelock (140 – captain)
5. Scott Barrett (55)
6. Shannon Frizell (22)
7. Dalton Papali’i (19)
8. Ardie Savea (67)
REPLACEMENTS
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (18)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (49)
18. Fletcher Newell (4)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (16)
20. Akira Ioane (19)
21. Brad Weber (17)
22. David Havili (22)
23. Anton Lienert-Brown (57)
