BIG CALL: Brodie Retallick was one of the All Blacks best forwards in the second test against Ireland.

Brodie Retallick's dynamite form has marched him into the All Blacks team that will combat Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday night.

Twelve months ago Retallick was a relative unknown but the 2.04m giant who has proved a revelation for the Chiefs this season will become the second youngest lock in All Blacks history when they begin their year in Auckland.

Former Waikato giant second rower Mark Cooksley, who made his test debut against a World 15 in Christchurch in 1992, was the youngest lock to represent the All Blacks at 21 years and 7 days _ just two days less than Retallick's age on Saturday night.

North Canterbury born-and-raised Retallick, who moved to Hawke's Bay several seasons ago because he couldn't crack the Canterbury academy and has now signed with Bay of Plenty for 2012, is one of three new caps named in the All Blacks run-on team for their first outing under new head coach Steve Hansen.

Powerful left wing Julian Savea and the swift-passing halfback Aaron Smith have also been named alongside the seven members of the 15 who started in last year's World Cup 8-7 final win over France at Eden Park.

"We picked them in the squad because they have all shown that they have special qualities which they now get the opportunity to show on the international stage," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said of the debutants.

The survivors from the World Cup final starters are Israel Dagg, Conrad Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks and Tony Woodcock.

Of those who are missing Keven Mealamu, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui are injured, Brad Thorn has moved overseas and the injured Jerome Kaino is on the cusp of joining him.

Aaron Cruden, who started at first five-eighth in the absence of the injured Dan Carter and Colin Slade, is in the reserves along with halfback Piri Weepu. Second-five Ma'a Nonu has not been named in the match-day 22.

Carter will surpass Andrew Mehrtens as the most-capped first-five in All Blacks history. Although he has amassed 85 caps since 2003, this will be Carter's 71st outing in the No 10 jersey.

The naming of Savea on the left wing has forced Zac Guildford to switch the less familiar right flank, while Sonny Bill Williams has been rewarded for his sharp form with the Chiefs and will start at second-five.

Williams' performances mean Nonu, who has been playing non-stop for around 19 months, to be completely rested _ something that may continue in the second test in Christchurch _ and utility Ben Smith has been recruited into the reserves as cover for centre, wing and fullback.

With the injured Kaino preparing to begin a lucrative career in Japan Victor Vito has convinced Hansen he deserves a shot ahead of Adam Thomson for the vacant No 6 spot and tighthead prop Franks, despite struggling to recapture his A-game, has retained his position ahead of older brother Ben.

The resuscitation of Ali Williams' and Weepu's international careers will have to begin as substitutes; their dodgy form for the Blues has been no deterrent for Hansen who is aiming to unearth their class, for the time being anyway, with double digits on their backs.

Rake Hika Elliot has also been named on the bench while Mealamu recovers from his calf problem.

''The build-up so far this week has been good. With such a short preparation time, we have focused on keeping things simple and bringing the team together,'' Hansen said.

''We have been concentrating on making sure we have clarity early in the week, increasing intensity and accuracy as the week goes on, which should allow us to put in a performance that we can be proud of on Saturday.''

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.