Barrett Brothers make history in first All Blacks squad of 2018

The All Blacks team has been named to play France in the opening Test against France at Eden Park, on Saturday 9 June, with new All Black Karl Tu'inukuafe set to makes his All Blacks debut off the bench.

As well as the selection of Tu'inukuafe, in the number 17 jersey, the All Blacks front row is also bolstered by the return of Owen Franks and Joe Moody to the All Blacks Test side, with Codie Taylor at hooker. Ofa Tuungafasi and Nathan Harris are the other front row run-on replacements.

Sam Whitelock will captain the Test side for the second time in his 97th Test, and is in the second row alongside Scott Barrett.  Liam Squire is at blindside flanker, with Sam Cane at openside and Luke Whitelock at number eight.  Vaea Fifita and Ardie Savea will provide loose forward impact off the bench.

In the backs, the inside pairing of Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett will start, with Ryan Crotty at 12 and Anton Lienert-Brown is at centre.  In the back three, Rieko Ioane is on the left wing, Ben Smith on the right and Jordie Barrett starts at fullback.  TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie and Ngani Laumape provide back cover off the bench.

Meanwhile, the Barrett brothers will make All Blacks history as the first trio of All Blacks brothers to make an All Blacks Test starting XV together.

The matchday 23 is as follows (with Test caps in brackets):

1. Joe Moody (31)
2. Codie Taylor (29)
3. Owen Franks (95)
4. Samuel Whitelock (96) - captain
5. Scott Barrett (16)
6. Liam Squire (15) 
7. Sam Cane (53)
8. Luke Whitelock (2)
9. Aaron Smith (71)
10. Beauden Barrett (62)
11. Rieko Ioane (13)
12. Ryan Crotty (32)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (22)
14. Ben Smith (64) 
15. Jordie Barrett (2)

16. Nathan Harris (11)
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe - new cap
18. Ofa Tuungafasi (14)
19. Vaea Fifita (5)
20. Ardie Savea (22)
21. TJ Perenara (42) 
22. Damian McKenzie (12)
23. Ngani Laumape (4)