Graham Henry has stuck with the bulk of the team that thrashed Australia 33-6 last month for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match in Tokyo.

Veteran Rodney So'oialo returns to the number eight spot with Kieran Read dropping to the bench in the only change to the pack.

In the backs Sitiveni Sivivatu and Conrad Smith have returned from injury to take their positions on the left wing and centre, respectively.

Smith comes in for the injured Isaia Toeava (pelvis), while Sivivatu replaces the axed Joe Rokocoko.

In the reserves, Corey Flynn returns as the back-up hooker and utility back Tamati Ellison will make his All Blacks debut if he gets a run at Tokyo's National Stadium.

New Zealand have won all three Bledisloe Cup matches so far this year - and six on the trot since Robbie Deans memorably won his first trans-Tasman contest in charge of the Wallabies.

But Henry said the first-ever Bledisloe Cup match in Japan would be another massive challenge between the two rugby rivals.

"Both sides will be looking to kick off their respective tours with a strong performance so, as always, we are expecting there to be a lot of intensity and a real edge to this Test," he said.

New Zealand team: Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So'oialo.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Tamati Ellison.