Moala to make All Blacks debut

Winger George Moala and scrumhalf Andy Ellis will start for the All Blacks against Samoa in Apia on Wednesday.

Moala will make his Test debut, with Ellis earning his first cap since the 2011 World Cup final.

Three other late additions – Nepo Laulala, Brad Weber and Charlie Ngatai – are set to make their debuts off the bench.

Coach Steve Hansen has not selected any of the 17 All Blacks who were involved in the Vodacom Super Rugby final on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Tim Nanai-Williams will make his Test debut at fullback for Samoa, who have named just one locally-based player (Faialaga Afamasaga) in their match 23.

All Blacks – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 George Moala, 13 Sonny Bill Williams, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Charlie Ngatai.

Samoa – 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Paul Perez, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusiata Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Ofisa Treviranus (c), 7 Jack Lam, 6 Alafoti Faosiliva, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 3 Census Johnson, 2 Wayne Ole Avei, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Subs: 16 Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Iosefa Tekori, 19 Maurie Faasavalu, 20 Peleifofoga Cowley, 21 Faialaga Afamasaga, 22 Ken Pisi.

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images

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