All Black coach Henry has lost lock Ali Williams for both Ireland Tests as the Blues second-rower suffered an ankle injury in training and has been replaced by Crusaders lock Chris Jack who was originally pencilled in for a rest.
Durban born South African & North Harbour lock Greg Rawlinson comes into the second row for his All Blacks Test debut and qualifies for New Zealand through residency.
Rawlinson was contcated by Springbok coach but rejected the calls.
Prop Clarke Dermody will also make his Test debut after being named in the front row in place of Tony Woodcock, who is still out with a calf injury.
Flanker Jerome Kaino, fly-half David Hill and Crusaders wing Scott Hamilton could also make their Test debuts from the bench.
Prop Neemia Tialata has recovered from the knee injury he picked up in the Super 14 final and is among the substitutes.
“We are pleased for the new All Blacks,” said Henry. “We are pleased to have more players of international calibre available to the team.
“We want depth to be a strength for New Zealand rugby.”
The First match in the series is on Saturday at the Waikato Stadium and the second match is at Auckland’s Eden Park a week later.
New Zealand:
Muliaina; Howlett, Nonu, Mauger, Rokocoko; McAlister, Kelleher; Dermody, Mealamu, Hayman; Jack, Rawlinson, Holah, McCaw (Captain), So’oialo.
Replacements: Hamilton, Hill, Cowan, Kaino, Flavell, Tialata, Oliver.
Ireland :
G Murphy, Horgan, B O’Driscoll (captain), D’Arcy, Trimble, O’Gara , Stringer, Horan, Flannery, Hayes , O’Callaghan,O’Connell , N Best,Wallace , Leamy.
Replacements: R Best,Young , M O’Driscoll , Gleeson, Boss , Hickie , Dempsey.
