Fly-half Aaron Cruden will start for New Zealand when they host South Africa on Saturday in the Rugby Championship in Wellington.
Cruden has recovered from a pectoral muscle injury and will replace Beauden Barrett, who started a Test at fly-half for the first time in last week’s 28-9 defeat of Argetina.
Jeremy Thrush will make a first Test start in the second row for the All Blacks because Sam Whitelock damaged rib cartilage last weekend and Liam Messam is out with a quadriceps injury, so Steven Luatua will line up at blindside flanker.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu has recovered from injury and he has been added to the bench in place of Thrush while Cory Jane returns as an outside backs replacement.
New Zealand lead the Championship after a draw and a win over Australia, plus the victory over Argentina.
And they now face South Africa for the first time since beating them 38-27 in Johannesburg last season, in a match considered to be one of the greatest Tests ever played.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: “This week we have to find a desperation and hunger in our performance, because we know that is something the South Africans will be bringing after their loss to Australia.
"They have already stated they have a desire to get a win against us.
"After two wonderful matches last year, I know our guys are really looking forward to this match. We have the utmost respect for South Africa."
Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu will equal the world record for a midfield partnership when they play their 55th Test together on Saturday.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Wyatt Crockett, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 6 Steven Luatua, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 8 Kieran Read.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Cory Jane.