NEW ZEALAND
15 Ben Smith Full-back Caps 61
The best full-back in the world according to Sir Graham Henry but only made that position his own last year. An elusive runner with no obvious weaknesses.
12 Sonny Bill Williams Inside centre Caps 34
One of the most naturally gifted players in the game with his brilliant offloads causing havoc – as the Lions found to their cost when they played the Blues.
9 Aaron Smith Scrum-half Caps 59
Was widely considered the world’s best scrum-half but endured disciplinary issues last year before winning back his place from TJ Perenara. Just 5ft 7in tall.
3 Owen Franks Prop Caps 91
Has missed just 12 Tests in the last seven years and has become one of New Zealand’s most reliable players since being brought into the All Black set-up by Henry in 2010.
6 Jerome Kaino Flanker Caps 78
One of the finest flankers in history and has been an integral part of the All Blacks’ last two World Cup-winning sides.
14 Israel Dagg Wing Caps 62
The All Blacks’ starting full-back when they won the 2011 World Cup but has struggled with injuries since, and has only recently recovered from a knee problem.
11 Rieko Ioane Wing Caps 2
An electrifying young wing who will be making his first Test start at Eden Park, having made his first two appearances for the All Blacks off the bench.
1 Joe Moody Prop Caps 25
A fine scrummager who became starting loosehead prop during the knockout stages of the 2015 World Cup and has held on to the position ever since.
4 Brodie Retallick Second row Caps 61
Towering lock was World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2014 and has won a staggering 95.08 per cent of the games he has played for the All Blacks.
7 Sam Cane Flanker Caps 41
Long seen as the heirapparent to Richie Mccaw, although he faces a real battle with Ardie Savea to keep hold of the No7 shirt.
13 Ryan Crotty Outside centre Caps 26
A combative, solid centre who has become a regular member of the side since being left out of the 2015 World Cup squad.
10 Beauden Barrett Fly-half Caps 50
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year and a worthy heir to the great Dan Carter in the All Black No10 shirt who will pose a huge threat to the Lions.
2 Codie Taylor Hooker Caps 16
Standing in for injured first-choice Dane Coles but is dangerously quick and effective in the loose. This is only Taylor’s fifth Test start.
5 Sam Whitelock Second row Caps 85
A brilliant, athletic lock who had trials for New Zealand’s under-age basketball sides, Whitelock is just 15 caps shy of his century despite being only 28-years-old.
8 Kieran Read No 8 (capt) Caps 97
All Blacks are delighted their talismanic No8 has returned from injury to captain the side, with his line-out and offloading ability particularly crucial.