Sonny Bill Williams, Aaron Cruden return for All Blacks in Chicago

The one-off Test between the rugby union powerhouse and the hosting minnows is expected to go in favour of the tourists but there are plenty of interesting subplots for the clash at Soldier Field on Saturday.

Williams has not featured for the Kiwis' national side since 2012, while Cruden's lay-off has been much-shorter - the five-eighth was exiled for missing a team meeting in September.

Richie McCaw, Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock and Owen Franks are all tipped to bypass the clash, with coach Steve Hansen still keen to put on a show in unusual territory for his side.

"It's exciting coming to a new place and not many people have been to Chicago," Hansen said.

"It's a very sporting town and there's a lot happening. There'll be a bit of stargazing I guess, 'look at that, look at that' but other than that, it'll just be another Test match.

"We're showcasing rugby in the [United] States and our expectations are that we've gotta play well and put on something special to try and promote the game, particularly the All Black brand.

"The States are a big side, they're certainly not lacking in size and pace and we'll have to prepare well as we always do and go out and play well."

New Zealand come into the match with shaky form by their lofty standards - their first loss in almost two years, a 27-25 defeat to South Africa, was followed by a last-gasp 29-28 victory over Australia in October.

The Eagles have had recent wins over Uruguay and Canada but lost to Argentina Jaguars - the South American country's second side.

But for Mike Tolkin's men, it will be all about crossing into the try zone - having never scored a five-pointer against the All Blacks in their history.

Their three previous clashes - in 1913, 1981 and 1990 - ended 51-3, 53-6 and 46-6 in the Kiwis' favour.