Dagg will be immensely disappointed, too. He has managed only one test, last week against the Pumas, since the British and Irish Lions series as his troublesome knee continues to cause him problems. While he failed a concussion test against the Pumas, he presented no symptoms since. It is his knee holding him back.
Nehe Milner-Skudder is the beneficiary of Dagg's on-going frustrations, moving to his more accustomed right wing. After his first test for two years last week, no doubt Milner-Skudder has empathy for Dagg's plight.
He will link with Rieko Ioane, recalled on the left edge, in a rejigged back three. Damian McKenzie retains his spot at fullback, despite some shaky efforts under the high ball in New Plymouth.
The All Blacks' preferred combination of Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty reunite in the midfield as expected, and Aaron Smith returns at halfback to push TJ Perenara to the bench.
Up-front, Luke Romano drops out of the squad with Sam Whitelock back after a week off and Scott Barrett retaining his spot in the reserves.
Kane Hames' promotion from out of the squad to starting loosehead over Wyatt Crockett following Joe Moody's season-ending dislocated shoulder may catch some by surprise. But it speaks to the regard the All Blacks hold Hames' destructive scrummaging abilities. His first start in his third test may be a sign of things to come this season.
"Our big focus this week has been about continual improvement, growing ourselves as a team, growing our game and how we want to play it, and how we want to play against different opposition," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
"Sunday to Friday gives us the opportunity to look at ourselves individually and collectively and get better as a team. We need the games we are getting at the moment, we've had a bit of adversity, and that will only make us better."
The Boks come off a draw with the Wallabies in Perth but won their previous five tests against Argentina and France, setting up an anticipated contest.
"They scrummage well, they attack well with the ball and their defence is getting better. So that's basically the game. We know they're a tough opponent - they're always a tough opponent. There's a long-standing history and rivalry between our two teams. We enjoy playing them, they play hard and it's always competitive. But afterwards they're always keen to catch up for a chat and a beer."
All Blacks team to play South Africa at QBE Stadium on Saturday:
Kane Hames, Dane Coles, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Liam Squire, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (c), Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Damian McKenzie
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Anton Lienert-Brown
