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New Zealand have made one injury-enforced changed to their starting 15 for the Bledisloe Cup/Tri-Nations rugby Test against Australia in Christchurch on Saturday.
As expected, halfback Jimmy Cowan has been ruled out because of a rib injury which forced him from the field in the first half of the All Blacks’ 49-28 win over the Wallabies in Melbourne last weekend.
Piri Weepu has been promoted from the reserves bench to start in his place, with Weepu’s uncapped Wellington teammate Alby Mathewson providing backup from the bench.
As well, one other change has been made on the bench, with Auckland midfield back Benson Stanley replacing Hawke’s Bay fullback Israel Dagg.
All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu, who made his debut as a 21-year-old against England in 2003, will reach a special milestone on Saturday in what will be his 50th Test. Prop Tony Woodcock is due for his 67th Test, becoming the sole most capped prop in All Blacks history.
The All Blacks are unbeaten after three Tri-Nations Tests following two wins over 2009 champions South Africa and last Saturday’s success over Australia in Melbourne.
All Blacks team: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Dan Carter, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Victor Vito, Alby Mathewson, Aaron Cruden, Benson Stanley.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.