Whitelock and Retallick return for All Blacks

New Zealand have recalled Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick to the starting XV for Saturday's clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

Whitelock and Retallick missed the All Blacks 40-29 loss to Ireland in Chicago two weeks ago through injury but they have recovered and will lock down in the second row.

Blindside flanker Jerome Kaino played as lock at Soldier Field but he has been ruled out of the rematch because of a calf strain.

His place in the back row has been taken by Liam Squire, with Sam Cane starting at openside and captain Kieran Read occupying the number 8 jersey.

Owen Franks, Dane Coles and Joe Moody take their place in the front row.

World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett returns to the number 10 jersey to join Aaron Smith in the half-back line, while Malakai Fekitoa and Anton Lienert-Brown are retained in midfield after the impressive 68-10 defeat of Italy last weekend.

Julian Savea was rested in Rome but he returns on the left wing as Israel Dagg is named on the right after missing the defeat to Ireland. Ben Smith completes the back three.

"As expected, there is huge excitement and anticipation within our squad ahead of this weekend's test against the Irish," head coach Steve Hansen said in a statement.

"While there was obvious disappointment at the loss in Chicago, disappointment doesn't win test matches - it's about having great preparation and attitude, and delivering on the day.

"We know the challenge we face from Ireland will again be massive and ...they'll be full of confidence and committed to delivering on their home patch.

"So we will have to take a massive step up, to get the performance we are looking for."

New Zealand (XV v Ireland): B Smith; I Dagg, M Fekitoa, A Lienert-Brown, J Savea; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, D Coles, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, L Squire, S Cane, K Read.

Replacements: C Taylor, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden, W Naholo.

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