Missing from his 25-man squad announced today are leading players such as captain Richie McCaw and fellow forwards Brad Thorn, Owen Franks and Kieran Reid, first five-eighth Dan Carter, centre Conrad Smith, Mils Muliaina and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu.
Backs Isaia Toeava and Israel Dagg will make the trip after having recovered from injury but a question mark hangs over lock Jarrad Hoeata for whom Otago lock Tom Donnelly has been called up as cover.
Hoeata was to have a scan on his injured right shoulder later today and a decision on whether he is fit to travel to South Africa will be made then.
Dagg and wing Zac Guildford will stay home an extra day to play for Hawke's Bay in their national provincial championship match against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua tomorrow, and will travel to South Africa on Sunday morning.
Also making the squad is prop Tony Woodcock who has recently played his first 40 minutes of rugby in over three months after recovering from a foot ligament strain.
Fellow prop John Afoa was also named after proving his fitness following a cheekbone injury during the match against South Africa in Wellington two weeks ago.
Eighty-four test veteran Keven Mealamu, who led the All Blacks once to a 32-6 win over Scotland in 2008, will lead the side out in South Africa.
Colin Slade is expected to run the backline in Carter's absence.
All Blacks 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 and 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 and Sonny Bill Williams.
