Richie McCaw will become the first All Black to play 100 Test matches after being named as captain of the side to play Japan in Hamilton on Friday.
Coach Graham Henry has made seven changes to the side which beat Tonga in the Rugby World Cup opener last week.
Mils Muliaina returns at fullback, Andy Ellis gets his first start of the year at halfback and Cory Jane starts on the right wing.
Loose forward Adam Thomson also returns from injury and Sam Whitelock replaces Ali Williams at lock.
Conrad Smith returns to partner Ma’a Nonu in the midfield and will play his 50th test.
Henry sang McCaw’s praises when the team was announced on Wednesday morning, saying 100 tests for the All Blacks was a “totally remarkable milestone”.
“Richie is a very special man. He provides inspiration to New Zealanders because of his total commitment, to enhancing the reputation of New Zealanders through the success of the All Black team.
“He is incredibly brave, skilful and a highly intelligent player who has the total respect of his team through the many deeds and successes he has achieved on the rugby field and his ability to lead from the front.”
New Zealand team to play Japan in Hamilton on Friday night: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.
WQ
Guest
I would like to also mention that we will have to wait and see if they are still rated as one of the best players in the world after 100 tests or in fact if they are ever rated one of the best players in the world?
Tonto
Guest
I take it back, Carter has been ruled out still with his back injury so Cowan will be brought in as Halfback reserve and Weepu will be Slades' backup for #10....interesting.
AndyS
Guest
Props to him - an honour deservedly won by a great player.
jumpers
Guest
Congrats to Ritchie for achieving a milestone of test matches for the ABs. Well done and may there be many more! The best way to celebrate this is to win the WC Ritchie, now go out and do the business mate!
dc
Guest
King Richie is the best player in the game ..still...and is warming up for the play-offs.,...he still remains more of a complete player than Pocock and Broussow, who are specialist pilferers, but go missing in other aspects of the game...
Quakezone...
Guest
AB's looking good still not the best team and they keeping the other sides guessing which can only be good, the AB's have wisely not shown their hand in the lead up to the WC... McCaw is looking like peaking at the playoff stages which is ominious for other teams, Carter will play maybe the first half then Slade but love how NZ are tracking at the moment the boys look like they are shifting gears at the moment
Tonto
Guest
Big ups to Richie for his 100th game - hoping he gets a game off before Playoffs which would now be Canada with Reid likely return. I am worried Slade is getting no game time as Carter has been picked again. Of all the positions it is number 10 which will have the greatest effect with injury. Oh well its history now, otherwise great team GO ALL BLACKS
WQ
Guest
Congratulations to the best player to ever play the game on reaching a significant milestone. Richie McCaw will go down in All Black history as the greatest of them all.