Fullback Mils Muliaina has benefited from an injury to rival Israel Dagg and will play his 100th Test for the All Blacks in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina on Sunday.
The 31-year-old will become just the second All Black to reach the mark following captain Richie McCaw who brought up his ton against France earlier in the tournament.
Muliaina’s challenger for the No.15 jersey, Dagg, was ruled out of the Eden Park match with a thigh injury.
McCaw returns to the starting line-up after missing last week’s 79-15 romp against Canada with a foot injury.
He is one of six changes to the side that started that match, with Cory Jane coming in on the right wing, Ma’a Nonu restored at second five-eighth, Piri Weepu wins the race to start at halfback while lock Brad Thorn and hooker Keven Mealamu are also named in the XV.
Wings Zac Guildford and Richard Kahui were ruled out of the match with hamstring strains, prompting the selectors to move Sonny Bill Williams from the midfield to the left wing.
Colin Slade starts his second match in a row after being thrust into the limelight as the All Blacks’ first-choice No. 10 following Dan Carter being ruled out of the tournament.
On the bench, loose forward Victor Vito, after a two-try display against Canada gets the nod ahead of Adam Thomson, while Aaron Cruden, called into the squad after Carter’s injury, is also a replacement.
Coach Graham Henry said Muliaina’s milestone was a tribute to the player.
“I He is a special man and has been a world-class All Black for many years – the consummate professional really – as well as a very influential member of the All Blacks leadership group.”
NEW ZEALAND: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Colin Slade, Piri Weepu, Keiran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Res: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Isaia Toeava.
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