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Trio of Barrett brothers named in All Blacks squad

Jordie Barrett takes part in an All Blacks training session in Auckland
Image: Jordie Barrett takes part in an All Blacks training session in Auckland

The Barrett brothers are set to become the first trio of siblings to play in the same Test for the All Blacks after being named in the squad to play Samoa at Eden Park on Friday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 8.55am.

Fly-half Beauden will play his 50th Test, while younger brother Jordie, a centre or full-back, is expected to make his debut from the bench.

Canterbury Crusaders lock Scott, who played four Tests last year, is also on the bench for the game, which has been organised to help New Zealand prepare for their Test series against the Lions, which starts on 24 June.

Full-back Ben Smith will lead the side for the first time in the absence of Kieran Read, who is still recovering from thumb surgery.

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All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: "He's been our vice-captain for a few years now and captain of the Highlanders, where he's been doing a fantastic job, so was the logical choice."

Wellington Hurricanes forward Vaea Fifita, who was brought into the squad as injury cover, should also make his debut off the bench.

Hansen added: "It's also going to be a big night for Jordie and Vaea, as they're both likely to play a part.

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"They've both been in great form and we're looking forward to seeing what they can do at this level."

Hansen's toughest decision may have been at scrum-half, where Aaron Smith will start ahead of another top-class performer in the shape of. TJ Perenara.

The Lions tour live only on Sky Sports
The Lions tour live only on Sky Sports

Watch every match from the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand only on Sky Sports

Jerome Kaino will make his return following knee surgery, while Ardia Savea will slot in at No 8 in place of Read.

Hansen sees the match as crucial and said: "Once it became a reality, it then took on its own importance.

"This is a Test match against a quality and very capable opponent.

"This first week has been about bringing together the players from the five different Super clubs and reintroducing them to the All Blacks way."

New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown 12 Sonny Bill Williams 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Joe Moody, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Ardie Savea

Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Vaea Fifita, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Jordie Barrett.

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