Sonny Bill Williams set for his 50th Test as All Blacks name squad for Bledisloe clash

New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams is set to make his 50th international appearance when his side takes on Australia in the final game of the Bledisloe Cup in Yokohama.

The Saturday's game also sees a return for Joe Moody from a thumb injury while Liam Squire will don the number six jersey with Brodie Retallick on the bench.

TJ Perenara will begin at scrum-half with Aaron Smith on the bench while Ben Smith and Damian McKenzie are positioned at right wing and fullback respectively.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen welcomed the return of his star players and is looking forward to see his side play in front of a passionate Japanese crowd.

“It’s great to have Joe, Nepo, Liam and Brodie, as well as Matt Todd, back. As well as being world-class rugby players, they also add a lot of experience to the team, both on and off the track. We look forward to seeing them play again.

“The Test match will provide us with another great opportunity to put into practise what we have learnt throughout our recent Tests in the Rugby Championship, and grow our game in the first Test of what will be an exciting Vista Northern Tour.

“We’re also excited to be playing the first of our two Tests here in Japan. The Japanese people have been fantastic hosts and the team has enjoyed the cultural aspects of our time here. We look forward to seeing them on Saturday and hopefully having their support.”

New Zealand: Damian McKenzie, Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Scott Barrett, Samuel Whitelock, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Replacements: Nathan Harris, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Matt Todd, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Anton Lienert-Brown