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New Zealand coach Graham Henry recalled on Tuesday outside centre Conrad Smith in the only change to his side for this weekend’s Test against England at Twickenham.
Smith missed last Saturday’s 29-9 victory over Wales in Cardiff with the groin problem which had forced him off the field during the preceding international against Ireland, which the All Blacks won 22-3.
Richard Kahui, Smith’s stand-in, dropped out of the 22 entirely.
“It was a reasonably straightforward decision,” Henry said.
“I feel for Richard Kahui but Conrad Smith has played some good rugby all year. He was our number one centre coming over, so we are back to our number one line-up.”
Tri-Nations champions New Zealand, No.1 in the world rankings, have yet to concede a try during their Tests in the British Isles this month after starting their tour with a 32-6 win over Scotland.
The All Blacks will complete a second grand slam in four years and their third overall, to set alongside their 1978 and 2005 triumphs, if they beat England on Saturday.
Henry, together with assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, remained in post despite the All Blacks shock quarter-final defeat last year against France in Cardiff.
“It’s obviously satisfying, it’s good for the people who appointed the three people sitting here,” said Henry, who saw off a challenge to his position from Robbie Deans, now coaching Australia.
“Robbie Deans is a very good rugby coach, we are feeling more comfortable than we did 12 months ago.
“We’ve been through a lot of pressure but winning the Tri-Nations and the Bledisloe Cup gave us an opportunity to relax and enjoy the tour.”
Asked what it would mean to complete a slam, Henry said: “It’s important for teams to set goals and leave a legacy.
“To play Tests on five consecutive Saturdays and win them all (New Zealand beat Australia in Hong Kong before arriving in the British Isles) is a major achievement, just as much as the Tri-Nations or a Bledisloe Cup.”
England, under new manager Martin Johnson, will be looking to avoid a third straight defeat against southern hemisphere opposition after a 28-14 loss to Australia was followed by last weekend’s crushing 42-6 thrashing at the hands of world champions South Africa – England’s heaviest home reverse.
Teams for the rugby union international between England and New Zealand at Twickenham here Saturday (0130 AEDT):
England – Delon Armitage; Paul Sackey, Jamie Noon, Riki Flutey, Ugo Monye; Toby Flood, Danny Care; Nick Easter, Michael Lipman, James Haskell; Nick Kennedy, Steve Borthwick (capt); Phil Vickery, Lee Mears, Tim Payne. Replacements: Dylan Hartley, Matt Stevens, Tom Croft, Tom Rees, Harry Ellis, Danny Cipriani, Dan Hipkiss
New Zealand – Mils Muliaina; Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino; Ali Williams, Brad Thorn; Neemia Tialata, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Hikawera Elliot, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava
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