Steve Hansen is going for the jugular in the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series, naming a power-packed All Blacks team for the opening clash in Perth.

After experimenting in the name of World Cup planning through the first two Tests of the Rugby Championship, coach Hansen has unveiled very close to his strongest XV for Saturday’s Test against the Wallabies.

Victory will see them retain the silverware they’ve owned since 2003.

Hansen has stayed with the twin playmaker setup of Richie Mo’unga at five-eighth and Beauden Barrett at fullback, which had its first airing two weeks ago in the 16-16 draw against South Africa.

Seasoned halfback Aaron Smith returns while the impressive Anton Lienert-Brown starts at inside centre in place of Sonny Bill Williams.

There are four changes up front from the Springboks stalemate, most notably the return of twin flankers Ardie Savea and Sam Cane.

Openside specialist Savea, arguably the best player in New Zealand this year, will make his first appearance as a blindside flanker in 37 Tests.

It means veteran captain Kieran Read remains at No.8, squashing the speculation that he would shift to the side of the scrum to make way for Savea’s power running from the base.

Injured lock Brodie Retallick is replaced by Scott Barrett, who has recovered from a broken finger suffered seven weeks ago.

Barrett is one of four Crusaders players in the tight five.

The exception is hooker Dane Coles, promoted to start ahead of Crusaders rake Codie Taylor.

ALL BLACKS:

Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Res: George Bridge, Ngani Laumape, TJ Perenara, Matt Todd, Patrick Tuipulotu, Angus Ta’avao, Atu Moli, Codie Taylor.