The new captain is leaning heavily on those around him.
The veteran halfback will play his first test since 2022 in Dunedin on Saturday.
New coach Scott Robertson will need to lean heavily on his remaining veterans against England.
Helena Cribb, the 22-year-old daughter of Ron Cribb, was charged earlier this year.
The former captain has already announced his international retirement at the end of this season.
The former Crusaders guru has already showed some subtle changes at the next level.
Coach Ross Filipo said post-match that his side had the memory of Connor Garden-Bachop motivating their performance, and that the "emotion was definitely high".
Two World Players of the Year return to a familiar environment, but a new sheriff in town.
The tryscoring No.8 was a key contributor to the Blues' Super Rugby Pacific triumph this season.
Announced in alphabetical order, both the newcomers had to wait to learn of their promotions.
The 80-test performer has credited support from wife Greer for getting his black jersey back.
The teams will play at Tokyo on June 29 and July 6.
Forwards coach Jason Ryan has found a rough diamond in the Hurricanes front-rower.
The veteran lock has previously filled the Crusaders leadership under coach Scott Robertson.
The former Crusaders maestro has stuck with a leader he already knows well.
The new coach is embarrassed for riches among the loose forwards.
Two titlewinning heroes stand to gain from their performances against the Chiefs.
Newshub's Ollie Ritchie takes a stab at what shapes as a newlook line-up for the NZ team.
The four-test NZ international has been named to face Wales and Georgia next month.
The veteran lock was initially ruled out for 6-7 weeks... just two weeks ago.