Saula Ma’u appears set to make his All Blacks debut.

The Otago and Highlanders prop has been named in the reserves for the team’s match against the Lions on Wednesday morning, the last of the non-test matches on their South African tour.

Ma’u was called in to the squad part way through the tour, replacing an injured Ollie Norris.

He joins fellow Highlander Timoci Tavatavanawai, who will start at second five, and first five Josh Jacomb, who will join the Highlanders next year.

Southland No 8 Semisi Ta’eiloa, who went to Otago Boys’ High School, has also been named to start.

Meanwhile Richie Mo’unga has been named to start at first five.

Mo’unga last played for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup. He was initially ineligible to be selected for the tour of South Africa, but became eligible to be called in as an injury replacement after taking the field in the NPC.

Rennie has made a raft of changes, as expected, for the Lions match from the team that beat the Springboks in the first test, though some players have to back up.

“Firstly, I want to congratulate Saula on making his All Blacks debut. It will be a special day for him and his family,” Rennie said.

“With the naming of this matchday 23, everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour, which is great for creating depth and competition for places in the test team.”

It’s a quick return to the All Blacks for injury cover players, 68-test prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi and lock Jamie Hannah, who are in the reserves.

They only flew in to join the squad on Sunday following head injuries to prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord in the win over South Africa at Ellis Park.

Halfback Noah Hotham has been named to start in his first appearance for the All Blacks this year, while centurion Beauden Barrett is at fullback.

Rieko Ioane is in the midfield with Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo are on the wings.

Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Siale Lauaki start in the front row.

Reserve halfback Kyle Preston starts off the bench to become the only player to have played every game so far on the tour.

Loose forward Peter Lakai and midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, who played in the All Blacks victory over the Springboks, will also back up against the Lions.

The side will be captained by veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

Rennie said it’s not easy playing two games so close to each other, but he’s happy with how the squad is placed.

“I’ve been impressed with the way that all players in our squad have responded to the quick turnaround between games. The Lions match comes just three days after the first test match but everyone has been involved in preparing this team to play.

“We know we will have to be at our very best again to prepare for what we know will be another physical match against a Lions side that has been lying in wait.”

All Blacks match-day 23

Beauden Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Rieko Ioane, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa, Richie Mo’unga, Noah Hotham, Semisi Ta’eiloa, Ethan Blackadder, Wallace Sititi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Pasilio Tosi,Samisoni Taukei’aho, Siale Lauaki. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Saula Ma’u, Jamie Hannah, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown.