Tuitavake made his debut for Auckland in 2001

Auckland Blues wing Anthony Tuitavake will make his All Blacks debut in Saturday's Test against Ireland.

Tuitavake is the only new cap in a team with only six survivors from the World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.

Three more uncapped players - Blues lock Anthony Boric, Chiefs fly-half Stephen Donald and Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson - are on the bench.

Ma'a Nonu starts at centre, Brad Thorn at lock, Jerome Kaino at number eight and Rodney So'oialo on the blind-side.

So'oialo switches to the flank position vacated by Jerry Collins, one of 11 players to have quit the All Blacks since last year's World Cup.

With Aaron Mauger and Luke McAlister now playing in the Guinness Premiership, Nonu is given first chance to fill the hole at inside centre in a new combination with Conrad Smith.

Mils Muliaina, who played at outside centre in the 20-18 World Cup loss to France, reverts to full-back.

The only other survivors from their Cardiff calamity are captain Richie McCaw, So'oialo, lock Ali Williams, fly-half Daniel Carter and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Thorn, who returned to union this year after a four-year spell in rugby league, has been rewarded for an impressive season with Canterbury.

The 33-year-old, who last played for the All Blacks in the 2003 World Cup, helped the Crusaders claim their seventh Super 14 title at the weekend.

With Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Byron Kelleher and Doug Howlett already playing in Europe along with Mauger and McAlister, Nick Evans and Reuben Thorne (Japan) having signed contracts to play overseas and Keith Robinson retired, coach Graham Henry was always going to have to name a revamped side.

"We've gone for established combinations where possible," he said. "We've also had to factor in a few injuries and are mindful that several players were involved in the Super 14 final on the weekend.

"The challenge is to work in our new players and new game plan.

"We expect Ireland to be well prepared, experienced and perhaps with some new confidence as well after Munster's success in the European Cup."

Centre Richard Kahui, scrum-half Brendon Leonard and prop Tony Woodcock were unavailable because of injury while number eight Sione Lauaki is still recovering from a hamstring strain.

Prop Greg Somerville was also ordered to take another week off after a heavy workload leading up to last weekend's Super 14 final but is expected to be recalled against England a week later.

After Saturday's match, New Zealand face England in a two-Test series on 14 and 21 June.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis; Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Brad Thorn, Ali Willliams, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald.