The All Blacks have had a major shake-up to their squad with No.8 Kieran Read missing the opening Test against England this weekend, and wing Julian Savea also in doubt for the first match at Eden Park - while openside flanker Sam Cane has been ruled out for the series.
The All Blacks coaches decided not to risk Read with his ongoing concussion problems. Head coach Steve Hansen says Read woke up on Monday not feeling the best following his return for the Crusaders after five weeks out, so he's sitting out Saturday's series opener, handing an All Blacks recall to the Blues loose forward Steven Luatua.
Hansen says the symptoms are minor and he's not worried about Read long-term.
Hansen says Jerome Kaino or Victor Vito will take Read's place at the base of the scrum, while Luatua has been brought into the squad as cover for Read.
Hansen says he's prepared to show faith in Luatua, who's the next cab off the rank.
Cane has a small fracture in his knee and the Chiefs player is replaced by the Crusaders' Matt Todd for the three Tests.
The Hurricanes wing Savea has a sore knee, he's undergoing a scan and is in doubt for the first Test.
No replacement has been sought for Savea.
