Aaron Smith has been given the nod at scrum-half in a formidable All Blacks line-up to face Samoa at Eden Park on Friday night.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen opted for Smith ahead of the in-form TJ Perenara, who has played inside fly-half Beauden Barrett at the Hurricanes all season.
With skipper Kieran Read still sidelined by injury, Hurricanes back-rower Ardie Savea starts at No.8 while Israel Dagg is on the right wing after Waisake Naholo played in the Highlanders' victory over the British & Irish Lions on Tuesday night.
Fullback Ben Smith will captain the side in Read's absence while Scott and Jordie Barrett have been included on the bench, meaning the three Barrett brothers could all be on the pitch at the same time.
It will be Jordie Barrett's first Test cap while Hurricanes team-mate Vaea Fifita will also make his debut from the bench.
"We'd like to congratulate everyone who has been selected for this Test, particularly 'Benda' (Ben Smith), who will captain the side for the first time," 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. He leads by example and is an inspiration to his teammates.
"It's also going to be a big night for Jordie and Vaea as they're both likely to play a part on the night. They've both been in great form and we're looking forward to seeing what they can do at this level."
New Zealand: Ben Smith (capt), Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Replacements: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Vaea Fifita, T J Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Jordie Barrett.