Six players from the All Blacks' World Cup rugby quarter-final loss to France last October have retained their starting places in the side to meet Ireland in Wellington on Saturday.

Coach Graham Henry has introduced one new cap in the 15 who will start the first test of the year - Blues outside back Anthony Tuitavake on the right wing.

There are three newcomers on the reserves bench - Blues lock Anthony Boric, Chiefs five-eighth Stephen Donald and Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson.

The six who started in the 20-18 loss at Cardiff are captain Richie McCaw, blindside flanker Rodney So'oialo, lock Ali Williams, five-eighth Daniel Carter, winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and fullback Mils Muliaina.

Two are playing in different positions, with Muliaina having started at centre in Cardiff and So'oialo in his customary No 8 position.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald

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