All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has pulled a selection surprise for Saturday’s blockbuster Rugby World Cup semi-final against England, promoting Scott Barrett to his starting backrow.

Big and versatile, Barrett comes in as blindside flanker with standout back-rower Ardie Savea switching to the openside and regular No.7 Sam Cane relegated to the bench.

Cane had operated in a twin-openside combination with Savea since the All Blacks match against the Wallabies in Perth in August.

Captain Kieran Read missed a training session earlier in the week because of a leg soreness but has recovered to take his place at No 8.

Barrett, who normally plays at lock, spent about 15 minutes of the 46-14 quarter-final victory over Ireland last Saturday playing in the number six position in what coach Steve Hansen said had been a tactical decision.

The 25-year-old’s inclusion in an otherwise unchanged starting side from that which beat Ireland adds an extra dimension to the All Blacks lineout and some additional size in the collision area.

The match is set to feature all three Barrett brothers, with Beauden named at fullback and Jordie on the reserves bench.

England name their team later on Thursday.

New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, -Kieran Read (captain), Ardie Savea, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Res: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett.