Kaino's All Black comeback complete
The return of star loose forward Jerome Kaino, after a two-year hiatus, headlines the All Black team to face England in the first Test in Auckland on Saturday.
He will wear the No.8 jersey in place of Kieran Read, who was withdrawn from selection contention earlier this week because of on-going concussion issues.
Kaino's 48th and last Test cap came in the World Cup Final victory over France at the same ground in October 2011.
He has been in excellent form for the Blues this season after returning from two years in Japan.
There are few surprises in the starting XV, with coach Steve Hansen going with the tried and tested.
"I would firstly like to congratulate Jerome on his return to the Test side and also the three uncapped players who have been selected in the 23," Hansen said.
On the bench they've included Malakai Fekitoa ahead of Ryan Crotty. Fekitoa can play outside centre and wing, but might be required to cover inside centre as well.
The team features three uncapped players – TJ Perenara, Patrick Tuipulotu and Fekitoa, all on the bench.
The side is a real mix of experience and youth, with 968 caps in the matchday 23, which has an average age of 27.
The inclusion of Fekitoa and Tuipulotu comes after strong performances as Super Rugby rookies for the Highlanders and the Blues respectively.
Blockbusting wing Julian Savea, who was in doubt with a knee problem, hasn't been selected, with fellow Hurricane Cory Jane getting the No.11 jersey and Ben Smith on the other wing.
At flyhalf Aaron Cruden has been given the nod ahead of the in-form Beauden Barrett, who is on the bench.
Cruden made his return to the game a fortnight ago after six weeks out with a broken thumb.
Hansen said England will provide his team with an immediate benchmark for the new season.
"It is the first time in our long history that we are playing a three-match series against England and they are the perfect opponent for us at this time," he said.
"We have a healthy respect for England and what they will bring to the contest."
Hansen expected a physical battle, with plenty of ball movement, which would challenge the teams both in terms of fitness and also mentally.
"We will be looking, as always, to improve our game by increasing our accuracy and precision in all our tasks across the park," he said.
"There is a strong desire in the group to keep improving the quality of our performances from the level they have been at.
"Our preparation, though limited by time, has been very good. We have concentrated on getting real clarity of our roles earlier in the week and will be looking to build the intensity levels as we get closer to game time.
"We are fully aware that if we don't, we are vulnerable to those teams that have the same mindset of improvement.
"We see this Test match as one which will be very physical with lots of ball movement that will challenge both sides aerobically and mentally."
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Cory Jane, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Victor Vito, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.
Date: Saturday, June 7
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 08.35 UK time)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Jérôme Garcès (France)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
