Read in great shape and really excited to lead All Blacks against the Lions

ALL BLACKS captain Kieran Read has been cleared to face the British and Irish Lions, while left wing Julian Savea has been dropped and replaced by Rieko Ioane for the first test at Eden Park on Saturday.

Read broke his thumb in late April and has not played since. He had surgery and the protective cast was removed two weeks ago.

The 31-year-old also had a late start to Super Rugby with the Crusaders as he recovered from wrist surgery.

Centre Ryan Crotty has also recovered from a rib injury and replaces Anton Lienert-Brown in a midfield partnership with Sonny Bill Williams.

“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,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

Ioane was something of a surprise to make his first start on the wing for the All Blacks, given Savea’s phenomenal strike rate and virtual first-choice status since making his debut in 2012. He has scored 46 tries in 53 Tests.

Hansen said the 20-year-old had earned his spot after showing superb form for the Blues this season. It will be the third time he has faced the Lions on tour, having also played for the Blues and Maori All Blacks.

“His outstanding form throughout the season this year, including against the Lions, has earned him his start on the wing,” Hansen said.

The side was otherwise as expected from the one that beat Samoa 78-0 last Friday, with Ardie Savea shifting to the bench to make way for Read.

Flyhalf Aaron Cruden, who suffered a knee injury in the Chiefs’ last Super Rugby game, has been bracketed with Lima Sopoaga on the replacements’ bench and is likely to need to pass a late fitness test to take his place.

Meanwhile, the Lions routinely sweep their facilities at the team’s hotels for listening devices to prevent team secrets getting out before the Test series against the All Blacks.

A security company that worked with the team on their 2009 tour of South Africa and 2013 tour in Australia carry out the checks, Lions chief executive John Feehan said.

“They are experts in electronic surveillance, to ensure that we are not being looked at or listened to,” Feehan told Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.

“The team room, for example, is swept regularly and no one is allowed in there unless they are part of the squad, and if there is any suspicion at all they will do another sweep.

“Nothing is perfect in this life and if someone is determined enough they probably will get something, but all we can do is try to ensure that they don’t.”