Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams will make his debut for the All Blacks Sevens in this weekend's Wellington Sevens.
Williams is the only new cap named by coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, while the side also sees the return of four Super Rugby players who have pulled on the national sevens jersey in recent seasons.
All Blacks Sevens players Sonny Bill Williams (L) and Ardie Savea Photo: Photosport
Brothers Akira Ioane and Rieko Ioane are the first brothers to play together in one tournament for the team.
Akira made his debut for the All Blacks Sevens in Wellington two years ago and Rieko a year ago, also in Wellington. Both play for the Blues.
Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea also returns to the side after featuring in the team across six tournaments in 2012.
Blues wing Ben Lam last played for New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 while Kurt Baker makes his return having last played in South Africa in 2014.
The All Blacks Sevens play Russia (2.04pm), Scotland (5.06pm) and South Africa (8.30pm) in pool play on Saturday.
All Blacks Sevens:
Kurt Baker (Taranaki)
Sam Dickson (Canterbury)
Akira Ioane (Auckland)
Rieko Ioane (Auckland)
Gillies Kaka (Hawke's Bay)
Ben Lam (Auckland)
Tim Mikkelson (Waikato)
Augustine Pulu (Counties Manukau)
Ardie Savea (Wellington)
Regan Ware (Waikato)
Sonny Bill Williams* (Counties Manukau)
Joe Webber (Waikato)
*new cap
