New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw and fly-half Dan Carter have been omitted from the squad to face South Africa on August 20.
The pair, who are amongst a host of players not included in the 25-man squad, will not travel with their teammates to Port Elizabeth.
The All Blacks coach Graham Henry has recalled a number of players returning from injury, including Isaia Toeava, Israel Dagg, and centre Richard Kahui.
"As with any All Blacks side, the coaches and players set high expectations and the squad which is heading to South Africa is no different,” Sky Sports News quotes Henry as saying. "There is real excitement amongst the squad.
"We have players returning from injury who will be playing for the All Blacks for the first time this year, while others will be looking to take the opportunity to stake a further claim in the black jersey and ensure selection in the Rugby World Cup, so we will have a team which is hungry to play well."
New Zealand squad:
Forwards: John Afoa, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu (captain), Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Samuel Whitelock, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Victor Vito.
Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford, Richard Kahui, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu, Sonny Bill Williams.