Naholo won a tight head‑to‑head with rising young utility back Jordie Barrett for the third back‑three spot, with the Highlanders flyer slotting in on the right wing to form a powerful unit alongside Rieko Ioane and the classy Ben Smith.
For Naholo it will be just his 20th test for the All Blacks in a career that stretches back to 2015 and his 13th start in the No 14 jersey.
Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock has also been selected to start against the Wallabies which will see him earn his 100th cap.
The rest of the lineup is as widely predicted, with Beauden Barrett holding off the challenge of in‑form Crusader Richie Mo'unga for the No 10 jersey, Kieran Read and Brodie Retallick returning from long absences to bolster the pack and the unlucky Scott Barrett dropping to the pine to allow Whitelock and Retallick to start their 47th test as locking partners.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said preparation in Sydney had been very good as it needed to be adding that the Bledisloe means a lot to the team and they have the opportunity to show just how much on Saturday night.
The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at 10.05pm this Saturday.
TEAM NAMING | Introducing your #AllBlacks 23 for the first #BledisoeCup and #RugbyChampionship Test of the year.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 15, 2018
FULL STORY ➡️ https://t.co/8fIcpCKgxc#AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/60IHninFJ2
[Source: stuff.co]
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