Whitelock out of second Test against Ireland after reporting delayed head injury, with another lock, Tupou Vaa'i, ruled out with Covid.
Irish skipper is given the all-clear from concussion despite leaving the Eden Park pitch with a head injury in first Test defeat.
With the experienced lock ruled out of the second Test against Ireland, selectors may have to turn to Barrett in the second row in Dunedin.
Dunedin's covered stadium is the perfect place for All Blacks to reach the high tempo they feel may be enough to clinch the series against Ireland.
Savea's individual effort for his second try against Ireland was a perfect marriage of canny pre-match analysis and a unique skill-set.
All Blacks head coach praises leadership of senior players after Covid disruptions, highlighting 'ruthless' attack and goal-line defence.
Dublin defeat is avenged and their record at fortress Eden Park is maintained as All Blacks go 1-nil up in the series.
The All Blacks and Ireland do battle at Auckland's Eden Park in the first of three Tests.
The All Blacks coach has had to prepare the team from home after testing positive for the coronavirus earlier this week.
The Irish will look to add another page to their storied history at Eden Park on Saturday.
New Zealand rugby says there was a "gap in communications" as Jeremy Loughman was assessed during their loss to the Māori All Blacks.
Mark Telea and Stephen Perofeta say the intensity is at another level.
The couple shared the news on Instagram on Thursday night.
Bruising wing Leicester Fainga'anuku and loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula have earned selections, while Scott Barrett's selection is described as 'exciting'.
Selecting regular lock in the No.6 jersey for the first Test against Ireland hints at worried conservativism, writes Patrick McKendry.
The young Crusaders star will wear No.11 at Eden Park on Saturday with Pita Gus Sowakula earning his first All Blacks cap off the bench.
Telea has been added to the squad for the Ireland series as a replacement for Will Jordan, who earlier this week tested positive for Covid-19.
The Māori All Blacks performed their haka with an image of Sean Wainui on the big screen above them after he died last year in a car accident.
The Blues have had their tough finish to the 2022 season softened by news of two key players recommitting to the club moving forward.
Richie Mo'unga is also a doubt for the first Irish Test with a stomach bug.