All Blacks: Hoeata to make debut

Jarrad Hoeata warms up at a training session at Carisbrook. Photo / Getty Images

Jarrad Hoeata is set to make his test debut for the All Blacks on Friday, this morning named in the All Blacks side to face Fiji at Carisbrook.

Hoeata was the sole uncapped player named in the squad earlier this month, pairing with comeback veteran Ali Williams, making up a new locking combination.

The 27-year-old debutant will find familiar faces around him on home territory, with fellow Highlanders Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade and Adam Thomson all starting in the Canterbury Earthquake benefit match.

Hoeata featured in every Super 15 match for the Highlanders this year in an outstanding campaign.

Slade will make his first test start for the All Blacks, starting at number 10, with Dan Carter on the bench. After suffering two broken jaws and a disrupted rugby season, the Highlanders first five-eighth will have a chance to impress the All Black coaches.

Williams, who is returning to the All Blacks for the first time since November 2008, will earn his 62nd cap, making him the joint third most capped All Blacks lock, alongside Robin Brooke.

It is also a return to the All Blacks for Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett and Highlanders wing Ben Smith who last played for the All Blacks on the 2009 Northern Hemisphere tour.

Captain Richie McCaw will continue his comeback from a foot injury.

New Zealand side to face Fiji in Carisbrook:

Starting XV: 1. Wyatt Crockett (3), 2. Andrew Hore (50), 3. Ben Franks (7) 4. Jarrad Hoeata*, 5. Ali Williams (61) , 6. Adam Thomson (17), 7. Richie McCaw - captain (94), 8. Liam Messam (6), 9. Jimmy Cowan (44), 10. Colin Slade (1), 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (43), 12. Ma'a Nonu (56), 13. Conrad Smith (45), 14. Zac Guildford (10), 15. Mils Muliaina (94)

Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn (12), 17. John Afoa (30), 18. Samuel Whitelock (13), 19. Jerome Kaino (37), 20. Piri Weepu (44) 21. Daniel Carter (79) 22. Ben Smith (1) * Test debut Number of Test caps in brackets

Fiji:

Iliesa Keresoni, Vereniki Goneva, Albert Vulivuli, Ravai Fatiaki, Napolioni Nalaga; Seremaia Bai, Vitori Buatava; Sakiusa Matadigo, Akapusi Qera, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain); Sekonaia Kalou, Ifereimi Rawaqa; Deacon Manu, Sunia Koto, Campese Ma'afu

Reserves: Netani Talei, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula, Taniela Rawaqa, Nemia Ranuku, Malakai Ravulo, Rupeni Nasiga, Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Samoca.