Barrett trio set for All Blacks history

Jun 15, 2017 - 3:47 AM New Zealand rugby is poised for a record with three Barrett brothers all chosen by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen in his first team of the year.

Uncapped fullback Jordie Barrett has been included alongside five eighth Beauden Barrett and emerging lock Scott Barrett for Friday's Test against Samoa at Eden Park.

Jordie and Scott are on the bench while Beauden will start in his 50th Test appearance.

Assuming the bench is cleared, it will be the first-ever Test involving three All Blacks family members.

Halfback Aaron Smith's bullet pass has seen off TJ Perenara in the most contentious call for a match just eight days out from the first Test against the British and Irish Lions.

His Highlanders team-mate, fullback Ben Smith, becomes the 68th All Blacks Test skipper, with regular captain Kieran Read still sidelined by a thumb injury but expected to be ready to face the Lions.

Hansen said Perenara was unfortunate to drop to the reserves bench, having snared the starting halfback berth from an out-of-sorts Smith on the November tour to Europe.

But Smith had returned to close to his best form in Super Rugby.

"We think that Nugget (Smith) is the best passing halfback in the world. He's probably a little bit ahead of TJ with the box-kicking as well," Hansen said.

"That's what got him the start... his passing's as good as it's ever been."

Read's absence has handed dynamic Ardie Savea the start at No.8 in a loose forward trio with Sam Cane and veteran blindside flanker Jerome Kaino, who hasn't played since injuring a knee seven weeks ago.

Inside centre Sonny Bill Williams will play his first Test since the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, with Hansen noting he links with rising outside centre Anton Lienert-Brown for the first time.

"A bit of fluidity, a bit of connection, from them would be good," he said.

Hansen says there is genuine pressure being applied on experienced wingers Julian Savea and Israel Dagg, with Blues youngster Rieko Ioane and Highlanders flyer Waisake Naholo having both impressed of late.

The starting tight five features four of the Crusaders pack who struggled for authority in the 12-3 loss to the Lions on Saturday.

Codie Taylor starts at hooker, with first-choice Dane Coles still recovering from concussion symptoms.

Hansen remains uncertain about Coles' possible return but was encouraged the world class rake had trained at greater intensity this week before returning home on Wednesday.

All Blacks: Ben Smith, 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. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Vaea Fifita, TJ Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Jordie Barrett.

Source: AAP