BREAKING NEWS: Fit-again Read and Ioane to start against Lions

New Zealand captain Kieran Read has been passed fit for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions, while Rieko Ioane will also start at Eden Park on Saturday.

Read has not played since April due a broken thumb, but the All Blacks skipper has recovered in time to feature against Warren Gatland's men in Auckland.

Ardie Savea drops to the bench to accommodate Read at number eight, while Ioane gets his first start on the left wing as Julian Savea misses out completely.

All Blacks head coach Hansen was pleased to have his captain back, as well as Crotty, who had been struggling with a rib injury.

New Zealand team to face the Lions:

15. Ben Smith (61)

14. Israel Dagg (62)

13. Ryan Crotty (26)

12. Sonny Bill Williams (34)

11. Rieko Ioane (2)

10. Beauden Barrett (50)

9. Aaron Smith (59)

1. Joe Moody (25)

2. Codie Taylor (16)

3. Owen Franks (91)

4. Brodie Retallick (61)

5. Samuel Whitelock (85)

6. Jerome Kaino (78)

7. Sam Cane (41)

8. Kieran Read (97) – Captain

Replacements:

16. Nathan Harris (5)

17. Wyatt Crockett (59)

18. Charlie Faumuina (47)

19. Scott Barrett (5)

20. Ardie Savea (13)

21. TJ Perenara (30)

22. Aaron Cruden (47) / Lima Sopoaga (7)

23. Anton Lienert-Brown (10)