Bay of Plenty rugby fans will have plenty to cheer about when the All Blacks take on the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday morning NZT.

Bay of Plenty product Emoni Narawa, former Tauranga Boys’ College lock Josh Lord and Chiefs star Damian McKenzie are all named in Dave Rennie’s 23-man squad.

McKenzie will start at fullback in his 77th appearance for the All Blacks, while Narawa has been named on the bench. Lord will start in the second row.

The trio feature in a largely refreshed side selected for the second match of the South African tour, following the All Blacks’ 38-21 win over the Stormers, a statement from New Zealand Rugby said.

For Narawa, the selection continues an impressive rise from Bay of Plenty rugby to the international stage. The dynamic outside back has played extensive provincial rugby for Bay of Plenty and is a former Tauranga Sports standout.

Lord’s inclusion also provides a local connection. The lock came through the ranks at Tauranga Boys’ College before progressing to Waikato and the Chiefs and has become a regular member of the national squad.

McKenzie remains one of the most experienced players in the side and will provide plenty of attacking spark from the back. The Chiefs playmaker is one of five players in the starting XV with more than 40 test caps.

Chiefs loose forward Luke Jacobson will captain the All Blacks for the first time.

“Luke is the obvious choice to captain the team against the Sharks. He is highly respected, has a great feel for the game and will lead through his actions,” Rennie said.

Two players, hooker Bradley Slater and loose forward Semisi Ta’eiloa, are in line to make their first appearances in All Blacks jerseys from the bench.

“On behalf of the whole squad, I want to congratulate Semisi and Bradley on achieving this very special milestone, and I know their family and friends will be incredibly proud,” Rennie said.

The Sharks match comes after seven players who featured in the victory over the Stormers earned another place in the match-day 23.

Asafo Aumua, Sam Darry, Kyle Preston and Caleb Clarke have all been promoted to the starting line-up, while Pasilio Tosi, Ollie Norris and Ethan Blackadder will again provide impact from the bench.

The All Blacks have a strong historical record against the Sharks’ predecessor, Natal, winning five of their six previous matches and drawing one.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm local time on Tuesday (5am Wednesday NZT).