All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made five changes to his starting team for Saturday night’s Tri-Nations rugby test against Australia in Sydney.
Aaron Cruden will start at five-eighth in place of Daniel Carter, who is recovering from ankle surgery, Israel Dagg replaces Joe Rokocoko on the left wing, Piri Weepu has won the halfback spot ahead of Jimmy Cowan, Victor Vito will replace Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker, and prop Owen Franks starts in place of brother Ben.
Cowan and Kaino have been named on the bench, as has uncapped Canterbury five-eighth Colin Slade, while Rene Ranger comes in as outside back cover and lock Anthony Boric takes the place of Sam Whitelock.
Henry said the All Blacks were expecting a strong challenge from the Wallabies, who would take confidence from their 41-39 win against South Africa in Bloemfontein last Sunday.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will lead the side for the 52nd test match, which moves him past Sean Fitzpatrick as the most capped Test skipper in All Blacks history.
A win for the All Blacks would see them achieve a record 10 consecutive victories over Australia. They would also become the first team to win all six matches in a Tri-Nations series.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
I forgot watching him there for Wellington this season, Moaman. Anyway - just another All Blacks underperformer! And if Mils or Israel or Cory are crook we've got 'em on the ropes 'cos they've only got a couple of also rans to cover that position - like David Smith, Hosea Gear, George Pisi, Paul Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams, Jared Payne, Colin Slade, Robbie Robinson, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Kendrick Lynn, Pehi Te Whare, James Wilson, Jack McPhee, Sosene Anesi .... Against Australia's ... oops! I forgot, we don't have one.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Mick - Cory Jane.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Only two. That slouch Mills plus Dagg, who sometimes lurks there for Otago, and who might be replaced in the second half by Super Softie Ranger dancing the Maori Two Step on anyone between him and the try line! Aaaaargh!
Terry Kidd
Guest
Just Another Overrated Wallaby?
Moaman
Guest
What are you tell ing us LAS? That some degenerate Wallaby has been probing the Team Shrink with a dirty chip? Eeek! Methinks a huge black spectre looms large over the aussie psyche at present.....
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
dead rubber it may be and yes it is a good idea to blood more players but never give a wallaby an even break.....some players like mitchell have never beaten the ABs. so there will be other wallabies wih the same chip infecting the team psyche.
bayboy
Guest
Last I checked Huia wasn't an Islander he's Maori
bayboy
Guest
While you don't have the levels of competition Australia has a larger player base than New Zealand. It's just not maximized to gain full potential
Tui
Guest
Ah ha got to love it.! Momentum based on a 1 match winning streak...stop doing it to yourself please.
El Gamba
Guest
Quadie's none from none my man! hehe
El Gamba
Guest
Thought Burgess handy towards the end last week
El Gamba
Guest
All capable. Well most capable, .
El Gamba
Guest
He was great in my fantasy team, that's for sure.
Rangi
Guest
OJ you silly boy you are forgetting that the Australians are always the best in the world in their position.
CraigB
Roar Guru
Just Another Oarsome Wallaby (thanks David Tua)
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Those first two advantages are a stretch. One win is more momentum than 14 straight? What about the All Blacks' youth?
Nick_KIA
Guest
How can youth/new line up be an advantage for the Wallabies and a disavantage for the All Blacks at the same time? And do you get more momentum from one win or nine on the trot? You're right about home advantage though.
mudskipper
Guest
All blacks are there to be taken Saturday in OZ... All Blacks haven't played in a while and are starting with a new line up.... Wallabies have 3 huge advantages, momentum, youth and home ground advantage... Wallabies by 6...
Stash
Guest
Its going to be a tough debut for Cruden - but he does have Weepu, Nonu, Smith and Jane in his backline from the Hurricanes. Turner will be marking Dagg, which is no easy task... and as he has no cover on the bench, he may end up facing Renee Ranger for the last 20!!! Ouch...that's a hard day at the office.
Short-Blind.
Guest
I wish the drooling would stop over the great depth of the AB - its not rocket science blokes - they have a 'deep' system with many levels of competition (unlike Australia) and it is their No 1 sport. Its the same as the talent that sits on the sidelines of the Kangaroos. Its amazing that OZ competes given the small talent pool we have. What matters is all about the 15 that run out and how they match up. I have a feeling that OZ will match up this weekend and shut up a few kiwis.