All Black coach Steve Hansen has opted for continuity as his team aim to retain the Bledisloe Cup on home soil this weekend.

Hansen has made just one injury-enforced change from last week's starting XV, with Wyatt Crockett replacing the injured Tony Woodcock at loosehead prop.

Hansen said his charges expect to face a spirited Wallaby side with the Bledisloe Cup hanging in the balance after the All Blacks’ 27-19 in Sydney last weekend.

"We are expecting that Australia will take a step up in their intensity after last weekend's loss and we will have to be ready for that challenge," said Hansen

The All Black mentor added that they are looking forward to returning to their fortress Eden Park, the venue where they clinched the Webb Ellis Cup last year.

"Playing in front of our home crowd is always exciting for the All Blacks. The fans are important to us and getting the opportunity to play a home Test is one we cherish," said Hansen.

Prop Charlie Faumuina, utility back Tamati Ellison and loose forward Adam Thomson have been made available to their respective provinces for this week's opening round of the ITM Cup.

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14Cory Jane, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Ben Smith.

Date: Saturday, August 25
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:35 (07h35 GMT; 09h35 SA time)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
Television match official: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)