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.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Everyone that should be there and is not is injured. Thomo Dagg Kahui are all out. It has been less then ideal for the All Blacks should they win this week the biggest game of this World cup faces them next week. And it will not be this team that takes the field. Kahui and Dagg must both play if fit. Thomo will come straight in to start if McCaw goes down injured for next week.
Quakezone...
Guest
Hope they get a chance to Bob.... This looks like an exciting and talented backline
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
This was the most logical selection if not all players were fit and available for selection and the niggles affecting Dagg and Kahui must be more serious than first thought. There was a lot of speculation of who would play at 10 and I'm glad that Henry has trusted in a specialist instead of a makeshift one in Weepu. Better to start them in their preferred positions and let them play their natural game. What a thrill for Mils and Aaron Cruden. For one playing in their 100th test, for the other potentially playing in a world cup quarterfinal when he would have been expecting to watch it along with the rest of us. The only surprise for me (albeit a pleasant one) is the selection of Vito over Thomson. No reports of it being injury related so Vito must be rated ahead of Thomson as loose forward cover. That's definitely our first choice pack and the first time they've played together since Bledisloe 1 in Auckland, so hopefully they can stay together for the next three weeks if we progress that far.
Mike
Guest
Congratulations to him. Its not easy to get the 100 when there are so many class players coming through each year. One of the greats.
Bob
Guest
A few gaping holes in this team. Nine and Ten and goalkicking especially. McCaws foot is not good obviously. If he doesn't make it through this match Brussow or Pocock in the SF will be a problem for them. Wallabies definitely would like to play against this back line.
Moaman
Guest
Not the team that I would have picked a fortnight ago...but a lot has happened since.Surprised Thompson not on the bench....this started me thinking this team looks like a final shake-down for the backup players and the newest kid on the block( Cruden ).Is Kahui not ready? Is Dagg's bruise that bad? Is this Mil's 100-and last ? VEry surprised Ellis not on the bench instead of my favourite Jimmy Cowan who just seems to be not playing like he used to. I have no doubt that this team is good enough to win comfortably on Sunday....it's just not shaping as the 'shadow' Test Squad I was expecting to see at this stage in the Tournament.