All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made three changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Chicago.

Beauden Barrett, who missed New Zealand’s 28-14 victory over Australia in Perth earlier this month, returns at flyhalf in place of Damian McKenzie.

Caleb Clarke comes in on the left wing in favour of Leicester Fainga’anuku while loosehead prop Ethan de Groot returns in the front row with Tamaiti Williams dropping to the bench.

Saturday’s Test at Soldier Field comes almost nine years to the day after Ireland scored their first-ever victory over New Zealand at the same venue in 2016.

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Robertson, whose team will also play Scotland, England and Wales on their northern-hemisphere tour, said his team has prepared well since arriving in Chicago.

“This is an awesome match to kick off our northern tour with,” Robertson said. “Ireland are a strong side and will have a loud contingent of supporters here in Chicago, so we are prepared for a passionate clash.

“We have had a great week together leading up to the Test and now we are looking forward to the contest on Saturday afternoon.”

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ALL BLACKS – 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Damian McKenzie.

Weekend teams

– AFP

Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images