Smith to leapfrog Carter as most capped All Blacks back against Wales

Scrumhalf Aaron Smith was named in New Zealand's team to play Wales on Saturday, when he will surpass Dan Carter as the most capped back in All Blacks history.

Smith, who will be playing his 113th Test, will link up with flyhalf Richie Mo'unga while Beauden Barrett has been named at fullback.

The 33-year-old made his All Blacks debut in 2012 and was a key member of the team that won the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

He has some way to go to reel in Richie McCaw's overall New Zealand Test record of 148.

Smith is one of a number of older heads to return to the team after the All Blacks kicked off their Autumn Test Series with a laboured 38-31 victory over Japan in Tokyo.

"We've come off a month's break, this is our second full week," said coach Ian Foster.

"We're introducing a number of guys that didn't play last week back into the group, the challenge for us is to get our combination very strong, very quickly.

"The Welsh are going to demand that because they're a passionate team, they play really effective high-tempo game and if we're not on our game you end up chasing them.

"We love playing here and we're really up for what we know will be a really physical encounter."

Jordie Barrett has again been given the nod at centre, linking up with Rieko Ioane in midfield. David Havili and Anton Lienert-Brown will provide cover.

"It's a chance to give Jordie another start in that position in a different environment against a different team," Foster said of Barrett's selection at inside centre.

"It gives us the ability to use David off the bench and maybe utilise Jordie in a different role later in the game."

Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece retain their spots on the wing. The front row of Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax is reunited in a tight