There are nine changes from the side that drew with France last weekend as New Zealand look to record their first win of the tour.

The management had promised to give every member of the touring squad at least one starting appearance, but uncapped centre Paul Steinmetz remains on the bench.

New Zealand coach John Mitchell says Blair was selected on the basis of getting the appropriate midfield mix, and for his ability as a back-up goal kicker.

Andrew Mehrtens continues at fly-half in the absence of injury victim Carlos Spencer.

The new caps for the All Blacks are centre Regan King, prop Tony Woodcock, hooker Kevan Mealamu, flanker Daniel Braid and number eight Rodney So'oialo.

The other changes from the French game see Carl Hayman coming in at prop, Steve Devine in for Danny Lee at scrum-half and Keith Robinson replacing Bradley Mika at lock.

In a positional switch, Tana Umaga moves from outside to inside centre.

"We have got an eye on the immediate, which is Wales at the weekend, but we are also looking forward to next year and it was important that we looked at everyone on this particular tour," said Mitchell.

"Wales are a very big challenge, they are at home and they are a proud rugby nation."