The All Blacks have again been hit by the fly-half curse, having only Dan Carter fit to play Georgia on Thursday in a Test that marks Waisake Naholo’s wonder comeback.
Both back up number 10s, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade are on the injured list as is centre Ma’a Nonu, who remains stranded on 99 Tests.
Coach Steve Hansen has been forced to name two scrum-halves in the replacements with TJ Perenara covering fly-half and Tawera Kerr-Barlow as back up to first-choice number nine Aaron Smith.
Hansen said the injuries, which have also sidelined loose forward Liam Messam, were not serious and they are all expected to be available for selection next week when the unbeaten All Blacks play their final Pool C game against Tonga.
In the last World Cup, the All Blacks lost Carter and Slade during the tournament, Aaron Cruden limped off during the final and fourth-string pivot Stephen Donald came on to kick the winning penalty in the 8-7 victory over France.
Hansen, who had said he wanted to play his top side against Georgia, a team the world champions have never faced before, has also sprung a surprise in the front row, relegating regular starting props Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks to the bench.
Wyatt Crockett and Charlie Faumuina will start in their place in an otherwise predictable side.
Sonny Bill Williams, who has been the standout performer in the All Blacks opening wins over Argentina and Namibia, will partner Conrad Smith in the centres.
Wing Julian Savea starts his third consecutive match while Ben Smith returns at fullback.
“This game gives us an opportunity to build on our previous performances against an opposition who have proven to be very physical in their two matches,” Hansen said.
“Although we don’t know a lot about them, we know enough. They are big, strong athletes.”
Nadolo’s selection on the wing completes a rapid recovery from a leg fracture using traditional Fiji medicine.
When he broke the leg during his test debut in mid-July New Zealand doctors told Super rugby’s leading try scorer the break would not heal in time to take part in the World Cup dream.
But within weeks Nadolo was running again after a mixture made from the leaves of a local Fijian tree was applied to the leg.
Team (15-1)
Ben Smith; Waisake Nadolo, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Charlie Faumuina, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr Barlow, TJ Perenara, Malakai Fekitoa
Coach: Steve Hansen (NZL)