British and Irish Lions 2017: Jordie Barrett to make first start along with Ngani Laumape in third Test decider

Jordie Barrett will make his first start for New Zealand along with Ngani Laumape after being named in the side for the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions, with head coach Steve Hansen showing a remarkable level of faith in the unproven full-back.

Barrett, the younger brother of fly-half Beauden and replacement lock Scott, will win just his second cap for the All Blacks after making his debut against Samoa as a second-half replacement last month, and the 20-year-old does so in the biggest game of his young career given the series is finely balanced and 1-1.

Laumape is handed his first start after making his debut in last weekend’s 24-21 second Test defeat by the Lions, having been introduced early following Sonny Bill Williams’ red card, and the Hurricanes centre replaces the suspended Williams, who was handed a four-week suspension last weekend.

The other personnel change sees Julian Savea recalled in place if Rieko Ioane, while Israel Dagg moves from full-back to wing to accommodate Barrett and replace Waisake Naholo, who has not been included after being taken off with a head injury in last weekend’s encounter, while Malakai Fekitoa is named among the replacements after being drafted into the squad at the start of the week.

The third Test will also represent captain Kieran Read’s 100th Test cap for the All Blacks, and head coach Hansen was keen to pay tribute to the skipper as well as pass on a good luck message to the youngest Barrett.

"Firstly, on behalf of the All Blacks and all of New Zealand, I'd like to congratulate Reado [Read] on reaching the milestone of 100 Test matches,” Hansen said. “It's a special achievement to play just one Test, so to play 100 is a remarkable effort. His playing ability speaks for itself and inspires others, and he now joins a unique group of special All Blacks.

“We'd also like to congratulate Jordie on making his first Test start in what will be a very memorable occasion for him.”

Even though Hansen guided the All Blacks to World Cup glory in 2015, a Lions series defeat would represent a blotch on his CV if he is unable to emulate Sir Graham Henry’s achievement of beating the Lions, which he managed in 2005, and Hansen is fully aware of the challenge that his side faces this Saturday at Eden Park.

"This final match in the DHL New Zealand Lions Series is going to be a cracker,” He added. “It's the Series we expected it to be, as the Lions have quality players. It now comes down to this Saturday – the winner takes all – and that'll create its own unique pressures and it's going to be interesting to see how both sides cope with it.

"We've had a good week of preparation and are very excited by the opportunity that's ahead of us, and I'm sure the Lions are as well. We know it'll be a physical and intense match, but just as importantly, it'll be a game where both teams will have moments of momentum, and the ability of everyone to adapt and adjust throughout the 80 minutes will be crucial."

Jordie Barrett; Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Kieran Read.

Replacements: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa.