Steamers and Chiefs flanker Sam Cane has been named on the bench ahead of the All Blacks' second test against Ireland on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Cane, an old boy of Tauranga Boys' College, replaces Adam Thompson on the bench, after the rangy Highlanders blindside flanker was called into the starting side for the Christchurch test to replace Wellington's Victor Vito.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says there is still a lot for the All Blacks to work on despite last week's impressive first test win.

'Once again, for us it's about our preparation, getting clarity early in the week and building in intensity so we can have a performance we can all be proud of on Saturday.

'We are expecting further improvements in our game due to the extra training and preparation time we have had together, along with having a game under our belt.

'We are also expecting Ireland to improve, as they are a nation with a 'never-say-die' attitude, so what we did last time won't be good enough.”

Hansen says it's great for test rugby to return to Christchurch and believes the players are looking forward to playing in front of a sell-out crowd.

'The team, especially those of us from Christchurch, know that people have still been doing it tough so hopefully we can give them a performance on Saturday that puts a smile on their faces.”