Loose forward Simon Parker is the only All Black to retain his place following the defeat to England, the selectors making 13 changes to the starting team to play Wales in Cardiff.
Will Jordan is also in the starting line-up but switches from fullback to right wing as head coach Scott Robertson and company shuffle the deck for the final Test of the year and with the Grand Slam gone.
The reserves bench has also undergone a complete overhaul.
Damian McKenzie starts at No.10, with Ruben Love in the No.15 jersey for his fifth cap and second start.
Fabian Holland has recovered from the illness which ruled him out late in London and starts alongside skipper Scott Barrett in the second row, with Parker joined in the loose forwards by openside flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi and No.8 Wallace Sititi.
Loose forward Peter Lakai has been ruled out with a calf injury.
The back-up front row from last week – Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi – become the starters against Wales, while Fletcher Newell shifts to the bench alongside George Bell and George Bower who are named for the first time on this northern tour.
Christian Lio-Willie, who joined the squad from the All Blacks XV last week when Luke Jacobson (concussion) and Samipeni Finau (family illness) returned home, provides loose forward cover.
Cortez Ratima and Finlay Christie will share halfback duties, with Cam Roigard rested.
In another predictable move, Beauden Barrett has been rested after struggling with a thigh injury at Twickenham.
Anton Lienert-Brown moves from the bench to the No.12 jersey, with Rieko Ioane, not used so far on this tour, alongside him at centre.
Caleb Clarke has returned from an ankle injury to start on the left wing. The midfield and outside backs cover will be provided by Leicester Fainga’anuku and Sevu Reece.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said the team were preparing to end the tour and year with a performance to be proud of.
Wales, who have won only two Tests all year – both against Japan – have not beaten New Zealand since 1953.
The All Blacks have lost three Tests this year, with their latest, against England, ruining their chance of a rare Grand Slam against the home nations. A victory will given them a 10-3 record for 2025.
Robertson said in a statement: “We have a lot to play for this weekend – we want to put on a performance that reflects the effort and pride we have put in, and that is a fitting farewell to Jason, Robbo and Coops [assistant coach Jason Holland, NZR CEO Mark Robinson and NZR president Matthew Cooper].”
Holland, the team’s strike coach, is not applying to have his contract renewed.
“We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,” Robertson said.
All Blacks match-day 23 to play Wales
(Test caps in brackets)
1. Tamaiti Williams (26), 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (42), 3. Pasilio Tosi (15), 4. Scott Barrett (88) (Captain), 5. Fabian Holland (11), 6. Simon Parker (7), 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (7), 8. Wallace Sititi (18), 9. Cortez Ratima (20), 10. Damian McKenzie (73), 11. Caleb Clarke (32), 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (87), 13. Rieko Ioane (87), 14. Will Jordan (53), 15. Ruben Love (4).
Reserves: 16. George Bell (3), 17. Fletcher Newell (34), 18. George Bower (24), 19. Josh Lord (11), 20. Christian Lio-Willie (3), 21. Finlay Christie (27), 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku (11), 23. Sevu Reece (36).
Unavailable for selection: Peter Lakai (calf), Tevita Mafileo (rib), Luke Jacobson (concussion), Samipeni Finau (family illness), Jordie Barrett (high ankle).
























SHARE ME