New Zealand captain Adam Blair says when he first heard four players had defected to Tonga for the World Cup, he wanted them banned from the Kiwi jumper for life.

But as coach David Kidwell named a team with four debutants for their opening match against Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, Blair says he has softened his stance about Jason Taumalolo, Manu Ma'u, David Fusitu'a and Sio Siua Taukeiaho.

Pride in the jersey: Adam Blair, right, taking on the Kangaroos. Credit:Max Mason-Hubers

"If you'd asked me a few weeks ago, I would have said – I may have said – I wouldn't want them back in there," the Warriors signing told Fairfax Media. "The more you sit down and think about things, the more you look at stuff, the more things you take into consideration.

"They're quality players that you want to be a part of your team. It was obviously disappointing how it all happened but you've got to give them respect for that they want to do.