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New Zealand locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick return after injury to face Ireland

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06:  Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock of the All Blacks warm up during a training session
Image: All Blacks locks Brodie Retallick (left) and Sam Whitelock return after injury

First-choice locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick have been named in the New Zealand side to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Both missed the 40-29 loss to Joe Schmidt's side in Chicago two weeks ago through injury, where their presence in contact and the lineout was sorely missed as Ireland recorded their first win over the All Blacks in 111 years.

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New Zealand rugby legend Richie McCaw has been helping out with the rescue operation in the country, following a recent earthquake

Regular blindside flanker Jerome Kaino, who played as lock in that defeat at Soldier Field, had been expected to slot back into the No 6 jersey for the match but has been ruled out with a calf strain.

Liam Squire will instead link with captain Kieran Read and openside flanker Sam Cane in the loose forwards in a strong looking line-up.

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"As expected, there is huge excitement and anticipation within our squad ahead of this weekend's test against the Irish," said Hansen.

"While there was obvious disappointment at the loss in Chicago, disappointment doesn't win Test matches. It's about having great preparation and attitude, and delivering on the day."

World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett returns at fly-half and links again with scrum-half Aaron Smith, who looked out of sorts in Chicago after he was ruled out of the previous two games for his off-field indiscretions.

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Malakai Fekitoa and Anton Lienert-Brown retain their starting roles in the midfield following last week's 68-10 win in Rome against Italy, while Julian Savea returns on the left wing having been rested last week.

Israel Dagg, who missed the Chicago game, returns on the right wing and will provide a safe pair of hands under the high ball that Ireland used to great effect at Soldier Field as they peppered the All Blacks' back three.

Israel Dagg scores a try during the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Kingspark Rugby stadium in Durban on OctOBER 8 16
Image: Israel Dagg expects another tough game against Ireland

"We know the challenge we face from Ireland will again be massive and ...they'll be full of confidence and committed to delivering on their home patch," Hansen added.

"So we will have to take a massive step up, to get the performance we are looking for."

New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Joe Moody, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Liam Squire, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Kieran Read (c).

Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Waisake Naholo.

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