The fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Tom Donnelly are among seven changes to the All Black starting 15 to play Wales in Hamilton on Saturday night.
They've both been out for most of the Super 14 with injuries and have played only about 45 minutes of club rugby lately.
Head coach Graham Henry says their injuries are still a little bit suspect but the only way to get them right is to keep pushing their training and play them for a reduced period in the initial tests.
Graham Henry says the Tri Nations squad will be named on Sunday
The other changes for Saturday night are Zac Guildford on the left wing for Joe Rokocoko and Richard Kahui at centre for the injured Conrad Smith,.
Tony Woodcock's back at loosehead prop and Neemia Tialata's at tighthead
while Jerome Kaino returns as blindside flanker.
The team: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c) Kieran Reed; Jimmy Cowan, Daniel Carter, Zac Guildford, Benson Stanley, Richard Kahui, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina.
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Rene Ranger,
