Barrett and Fifita to make All Black debuts

Jordie Barrett and Vaea Fifita are set to make their All Black test debuts having been named in the playing squad for the side's first test of the year against Samoa in Auckland on Friday night.

The Hurricanes pair have been named in the reserves.

Fullback Ben Smith will captain the side for the first time with regular skipper Kieran Read still recovering from injury.

It will be a milestone match for Beauden Barrett as he will run out for his 50th Test tomorrow.

The matchday 23 also sees the return of midfielder Sonny Bill Williams in his first game back since the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham.

All Blacks will take on Samoa at 8pm tomorrow at Eden Park while Tonga will take on Wales at 5.30pm.

Ben Smith (c), Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moodie.

Reserves

Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Vaea Fifita, TJ Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Jordie Barrett.