IN AN intriguing, and slightly ominous selection for Saturday’s first test, new All Blacks’ head coach Steve Hansen has dipped into their conveyor belt of talent with a mixture of seasoned world beaters and gifted, hungry young tyros.

Along with the return of Dan Carter to back up their other totem, World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw, and a core of the newly crowned World champions, as expected Hansen has re-energised the squad and signalled the start of a new era by introducing three new caps in the quick-passing, fleet-footed scrum-half Aaron Smith, the athletic Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick and the dynamic and currently prolific Hurricanes’ winger Julien Savea.

Against that, the front row of Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore and Owen Franks have a combined 176 caps, while as anticipated Victor Vito has taken over the number six from the injured and departing Jerome Kaino.

Further evidence of this being very much a form selection is the promotion of Sonny Bill Williams ahead of Ma’a Nonu inside Conrad Smith. With his height, dynamic carrying and ability to free his bear-like right paw, Williams is the offloading key and represents a huge threat to an Irish midfield which wouldn’t be the tallest on the planet. Unlike his fellow mis-firing Auckland Blues, Ali Williams and Piri Weepu, Nonu doesn’t even make the bench.

Regarding the three new caps, Hansen said: “We picked them in the Steinlager Series squad because they have all shown that they have special qualities which they now get the opportunity to show on the international stage.”

Facing into their first test since being crowned world champions at the very same venue, Hansen added: “The build-up so far this week has been good. With such a short preparation time, we have focused on keeping things simple and bringing the team together.

“We have been increasing intensity and accuracy as the week goes on, which should allow us to put in a performance that we can be proud of on Saturday.”