Parsons to make All Black debut in No2 jersey

James Parsons will make his All Blacks debut on Sunday. Photo /Getty Images

James Parsons will make his debut at hooker, Colin Slade will start on the right wing, and Richie McCaw will play at blindside flanker - it's all change for the All Blacks against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Parsons and Slade were both late call ups to the squad after their involvement with the Barbarians in London following the injuries to Nathan Harris and Cory Jane and have been quickly slotted in by coach Steve Hansen.

As expected, Dan Carter will start at first-five in only his second test of the year following his return from a broken leg which will boost the team's experience level considerably.

Dominic Bird, who was also called in from Baabaas duty as injury cover, will start alongside Jeremy Thrush in the second row, with Victor Vito at No8 and Sam Cane wearing what has traditionally been considered McCaw's jersey.

Jerome Kaino (knee) and Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder) were not considered, along with early withdrawal Brodie Retallick (shoulder).

TJ Perenara starts at halfback and there is also a new midfield combination - Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa.

Lock Luke Romano has been named on the bench- his first involvement in an All Blacks match-day squad since his leg injury while playing for the Crusaders this year.

Hansen said the plan had always been to have a look at different players on tour and this week was the perfect chance.

"I'm expecting Scotland to chuck the kitchen sink at us, and how they [younger players] cope with it will be good... if they can manage to do that they will make a statement," he said.

Hansen said Carter - not involved in last weekend's 24-21 victory over England at Twickenham due to his lack of game time - was raring to go.

"He's excited, as we are. It's been a long time between drinks.

"He has trained very well, probably as good as I've seen him train for a long time."

Hansen said his selection of Parsons at hooker and Slade on the wing was all about seeing how they would cope with an eye on a succession plan. For Slade it is excellent opportunity to prove his utility value with next year's World Cup fast approaching.
"We want to see if he can start a test on the wing," Hansen said.

All Blacks team to play Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday (caps in brackets)
15. Ben Smith (36)
14. Colin Slade (15)
13. Malakai Fekitoa (7)
12. Ryan Crotty (11)
11. Charles Piutau (12)
10. Dan Carter (101)
9. TJ Perenara (9)
8. Victor Vito (25)
7. Sam Cane (21)
6. Richie McCaw (c) (135)
5. Dominic Bird (1)
4. Jeremy Thrush (10)
3. Charlie Faumuina (25)
2. James Parsons (0)
1. Joe Moody (6)

Reserves
16. Dane Coles (25)
17. Wyatt Crockett (34)
18. Ben Franks (40)
19. Luke Romano (16)
20. Liam Messam (38)
21. Augustine Pulu (1)
22. Sonny Bill Williams (21)
23. Julian Savea (31)