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Hamilton - Richie McCaw will become the first All Black to play 100 Tests when he leads out a side containing sweeping changes to play Japan in their World Cup match here on Friday.
Mils Muliaina will start at fullback and Dan Carter is included at flyhalf - with a question mark - as the All Black selectors made seven changes to the run on side that beat Tonga 41-10 in their first game.
Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu have also been returned to the starting line up with Smith playing his 50th Test.
Adam Thomson, who only returned to full training after suffering an elbow injury last month, has been named at number eight with Victor Vito dropped to the bench.
Head coach Graham Henry paid special tribute to McCaw saying he provides "inspiration to New Zealanders because of his total commitment to enhancing the reputation of New Zealand through the success of the All Black team.
"He is incredibly brave, skilful and a hugely intelligent player who has the total respect of his team through the many deeds and successes he has achieved on the rugby field, and his ability to lead from the front."
The 30-year-old McCaw played his first Test against Ireland on the 2001 end-of-year northern tour, and was blooded as captain three years later before taking over the leadership full-time in 2006.
McCaw described being the first All Black to reach 100 Tests was special but his focus was primarily on leading the team through the game then "I'll look back and reflect on it with pride.
"To play it in New Zealand is pretty special, and at the World Cup couldn't get a bigger stage to do it, but you've still got to remember to do the job."
Carter, who had a torrid time in the Tonga match, continues to be affected by a sore back and although he has been included in the team his starting role was not assured.
Henry said the ace playmaker wanted to take the field but a final decision would not be made until the All Blacks wrapped up training.
The All Blacks were under no illusion about the challenge from Japan who were within four points of a boilover against France in their first World Cup game before Les Bleus piled on 22 points in the closing 10 minutes to win 47-21.
"There is no doubt they are a very good team and well coached by John Kirwan and Mick Byrne," Henry said.
"They are physical at the breakdown, play the game at speed and will be a real threat if we let them play like that so we will have to be on top of our game.
Kirwan is a former All Black and Byrne is the All Blacks kicking coach who has been on loan to Japan for the past two years but will return to New Zealand after the World Cup.
Teams:
New Zealand:
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (Captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Substitutes: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 John Afoa, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Japan:
TBA
