The world champions New Zealand have named their side to face Samoa this Friday as they prepare for the first test against the Lions.
The back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners haven't played since they beat France on November 27th last year.
The New Zealand management were keen to arrange a fixture ahead of the test series against the Lions and opted for a warm-up against a Pacific island nation.
Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks start in the front row with Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock partnered at lock.
Here is your #AllBlacks 23 to take on Samoa in the American Express #PasifikaChallenge on Friday night.
MORE: https://t.co/TK91R7S34w pic.twitter.com/1vCQNA9Bhq
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 14, 2017
Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea make up the back-row unit.
Aaron Smith and Beauden Barret start at half-back with Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown completing the midfield.
Julian Savea and Israel Dagg are named on the wings with Ben Smith at full-back.
Captain Kieran Read hasn't recovered from a thumb injury and isn't named in the match-day squad.
The sides last met in a physical encounter in 2015 in Apia Park when New Zealand prevailed 25-16.
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