New Zealand coach Graham Henry has dropped full-back Mils Muliaina for the opening match of the Rugby World Cup against Tonga in Auckland on Friday.
The 31-year-old Muliaina makes way for Israel Dagg, who made a fine return to top-class rugby against South Africa following a serious quadricep injury.
Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava will start on the wings, with Ma'a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams in the centres.
Richie McCaw will win his 62nd cap as captain and 99th overall.
The All Blacks are favourites to win only their second World Cup since New Zealand staged the inaugural event in 1987, and they have selected a powerful backline to ensure they can compete with the physical Tongans.
The revamped back three and Williams' inclusion in the starting line up at the expense of Conrad Smith are part of nine changes to the starting XV when the All Blacks surrendered their Tri-Nations title with a 25-20 defeat against Australia last month.
Muliaina, who has won 98 Test caps, was not even named on the bench, while Kahui and Toeava come in for Cory Jane and Zac Guildford.
"He (Muliaina) has been one of the top full-backs in the world for some time, but he's having a bit of a flat patch at the moment," said Henry. "But knowing Mils he will respond to that. He understands it is a competitive position. The other fellow in his one Test this year has played well."
Nonu moves out one place from his usual position at inside centre to accomodate rugby league convert Williams, who will win his eighth Test cap.
Jimmy Cowan was preferred to Piri Weepu at scrum-half and will partner fly-half Daniel Carter for the 25th Test together.
Wellington loose forward Victor Vito will start at number eight for the injured Kieran Read with Jerome Kaino returning to the starting XV after he missed the final Tri-Nations match against Australia last month to return home to be with his pregnant partner.
Tony Woodcock was named at loose-head prop despite aggravating an old hamstring injury in training, with assistant coach Steve Hansen admitting his fitness was a concern.
Coach Henry said: "There is real competition in a number of positions, at full-back and on the wings and other positions as well, and the selection of the starting XV reflects that.
"Those players selected have now been given the opportunity, which is exciting, and they will all look to make the most of their chance. Everyone in the All Blacks squad is excited by what lies ahead."
Team: Israel Dagg; Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Isaia Toeava; Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Cory Jane.
