The All Blacks will take on Samoa on Friday prior to the forthcoming series against the Lions.
New Zealand are preparing to face the Lions on June 24th. Their lineup for the clash with Samoa won’t be too dissimilar to what the Lions will face on that date.
“Everyone is talking about the big battle around the corner but our mentality is the best way to prepare for a battle is to have a battle,” assistant coach Ian Foster said ahead of the clash in Auckland.
Notable absentees from the line-up include Captain Kieran Read who is resting a thumb injury in his aims to be fully fit for the first test against the Lions.
Hooker Dane Coles as well as flyhalf Aaron Cruden, centre Ryan Crotty and loose forward Liam Squire have knee, rib and thumb injuries respectively. All of the above are expected to be back and fully fit for their clash with the Lions, apart from Coles.
It will be Sonny Bill Williams’ first Test international since the 2015 World Cup final.
The 31-year-old has been in form recently, however, as the Lions found out in his hugely impressive display for the Blues in their win over the Lions in Auckland last week.
Williams, the former boxer and sevens rugby player will get a chance to impress alongside Anton Lienert-Brown in the All Black midfield.
Ben Smith will captain the side from fullback. Israel Dagg and Julian Savea have been named on the Wings, which means that Waisake Naholo misses out despite his impressive displays against the Crusaders and the Lions in recent weeks.
World rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett will win his 50th Test cap at fly-half while his two brothers have been named on the bench.
All Blacks team V Samoa
15. Ben Smith (Capt.)
14. Israel Dagg
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Julian Savea
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Sam Cane
8. Ardie Savea
Replacements:
16. Nathan Harris
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Scott Barrett
20. Vaea Fifita
21. T J Perenara
22. Lima Sopoaga
23. Jordie Barrett
