The All Blacks have claimed 29 victories in 38 test matches against the Lions, a record Warren Gatland’s men will want to edge a little more in their favour on Saturday morning.
Ahead of the first Test of the 2017 tour to New Zealand, the All Blacks have named their 23 which includes the return of captain Kieran Read. Rieko Ioane is also included for his first start for the All Blacks, having already played against the Lions twice this tour.
New Zealand (All Blacks) team to face British & Irish Lions
1. Joe Moody (25)
2. Codie Taylor (16)
3. Owen Franks (91)
4. Brodie Retallick (61)
5. Samuel Whitelock (85)
6. Jerome Kaino (78)
7. Sam Cane (41)
8. Kieran Read (97) – Captain
9. Aaron Smith (59)
10. Beauden Barrett (50)
11. Rieko Ioane (2)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (34)
13. Ryan Crotty (26)
14. Israel Dagg (62)
15. Ben Smith (61)
16. Nathan Harris (5)
17. Wyatt Crockett (59)
18. Charlie Faumuina (47)
19. Scott Barrett (5)
20. Ardie Savea (13)
21. TJ Perenara (30)
22. Aaron Cruden (47) / Lima Sopoaga (7)
23. Anton Lienert-Brown (10)
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said “This was a really tough team to pick because there were a number of players in great form vying for positions. But in the end the three selectors felt this was the best combination to take on the Lions in the first Test.
Hansen added it was great to have Read and Crotty back.
“They’ve both been on target to return for this game all the way through, are both in great shape and, together with the rest of the squad, they’re really excited at what’s ahead of us.
NEWS | Kieran Read is back in the #AllBlacks team to face @lionsofficial in the first Test.
FULL TEAM: https://t.co/xizM2nKe2w#NZLvBIL pic.twitter.com/FFbgvTwdgY
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 21, 2017
The sides meet in Auckland this Saturday morning at 8.35am Irish time.