Richie Mo'unga will make his long-awaited return to the All Blacks for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup when he starts at flyhalf against the Lions in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old playmaker has been named alongside halfback Noah Hotham as the All Blacks make wholesale changes to the side that defeated the Springboks 33-16 in their first Test on Saturday.
Mo'unga's last appearance for New Zealand was in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France, where the All Blacks suffered a heartbreaking 12-11 loss to South Africa.
He kicked two penalties in that final before leaving New Zealand rugby to join Japanese club Brave Lupus.
Mo'unga's move to Japan made him ineligible for All Blacks selection as New Zealand selects players who are based domestically.
He has recently returned to New Zealand and was one of six replacement players called into the squad by All Blacks coach Dave Rennie during the tour because of injuries.
He was called in as a replacement for injured centre Billy Proctor.
None of the players who started in the All Blacks' 33-16 victory over South Africa on Saturday will start against the Lions.
Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the new-look side from lock, while Beauden Barrett starts at fullback.
Rieko Ioane and Timoci Tavatavanawai will combine in midfield, with Fehi Fineanganofo and Emoni Narawa on the wings.
The loose forward combination consists of Ethan Blackadder, Wallace Sititi and Semisi Ta'eiloa, while Sam Darry joins Tuipulotu in the second row.
Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Siale Lauaki make up the front row.
Meanwhile, Saula Ma'u is in line to make his first appearance for the three-time Rugby World Cup champions after being named on the bench.
Rennie has congratulated Ma'u, saying it will be a special day for him and his family.
Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Jamie Hannah, who were called into the squad as cover following concussion injuries to Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, are also among the replacements.
Anton Lienert-Brown, Kyle Preston and Peter Lakai, who came off the bench against the Springboks, have again been named among the replacements.
If Preston comes off the bench, he will become the only All Black to have played in each of the first five matches of the eight-game tour.
The Lions were previously known as Transvaal and recorded their only victory over the All Blacks in their first meeting in 1928.
New Zealand have won the seven meetings between the sides since then.
They take on the Lions at Ellis Park at 5am tomorrow
Source: Super Sports
