All Black captain Richie McCaw will lead the team against Japan in the first appearance on their end of year tour.
Originally McCaw, Daniel Carter and other senior players were going to bypass the November 2 test in Tokyo and assemble in Paris for the next test with France.
However, injuries and a lack of rugby for the side's most recognised faces have altered that planning for the touring party of 36.
"Richie will captain the team, he needs some rugby and will play at least half a game," coach Steve Hansen said. "We also need DC [Carter] to get some rugby too but some like Kieran Read won't be required."
Hansen could not confirm the nine players who would fly direct to France until the squad and those who play in the ITM Cup final on Saturday were assessed at a training camp.