The matchday squad selection is Robertson's first since taking charge of the team.

He was appointed in November and replaced Ian Foster who steered the team to the 2023 World Cup final against South Africa. New Zealand lost by a single point to the Springboks.

"This was a very tough squad to pick, but we've selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday," Robertson said.

"There is a lot of excitement in the group for our first Test and we're walking together toward this opportunity to represent New Zealand and our families in Dunedin in front of a sold-out stadium. We've prepared well and we're ready."

The first Test against England will be followed by a second match on 13 July at Eden Park in Auckland.

Steve Borthwick's England are looking to make history as they have never won a Test series in New Zealand.

New Zealand XV to face England: S Perofeta; S Reece, R Ioane, J Barrett, M Tele'a; D McKenzie, T Perenara; E de Groot, C Taylor, T Lomax, S Barrett (capt), P Tuipulotu, S Finau, D Papalii, A Savea.

Replacements: A Aumua, O Tuungafasi, F Newell, T Vaa'i, L Jacobson, F Christie, A Lienert-Brown, B Barrett.