New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has made 12 changes to his line-up for the All Blacks' Pool C clash against Namibia.

Lock Sam Whitelock, along with wings Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder, are the three players to retain their starts from New Zealand's 26-16 victory over Argentina.

Hansen, who has named 23-year-old Sam Cane as captain for the fixture, equals the record 12 changes made by the All Blacks for their 2007 pool match against Scotland.

"It's a very special moment for 23-year-old Sam Cane who will captain the All Blacks for the first time. He's in our leadership group, is hugely respected by everyone, is a fierce and fearless player and is someone who has the potential of being a long-term captain of the All Blacks in the future," the New Zealand coach told the All Blacks' official website.

"At the completion of this match, 30 of the 31 players in our squad will have experienced time in the middle of the park which will give us a good foundation base going forward and which was always part of our planning pre-tournament. It's now their time to step up.

"Five of our team will also be playing their first Rugby World Cup match so it will be a significant moment for them and their families as well. The Namibian players will be excited by it too and it will be a great occasion at the stadium on Thursday."

Defending Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand take on Namibia at the Olympic Stadium on September 24.

New Zealand team to face Namibia:

Colin Slade, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ben Franks, Codie Taylor, Charlie Faumuina, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Victor Vito

Replacements:

Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Tony Woodcock, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Ma'a Nonu, Ben Smith