New Zealand made two changes to its starting XV for Saturday’s Tri-Nations rugby union Test against South Africa at Christchurch from the line-up that beat Australia last weekend.
Greg Somerville replaced Carl Hayman at tighthead prop and rugged Jerry Collins was selected on the blindside flank in place of the injured Jono Gibbes in the line-up announced on Tuesday.
Openside flanker Richie McCaw was ruled out of the match by continuing problems with a head injury, allowing Marty Holah — voted player of the match in the 16-7 win over Australia at Wellington last Saturday — to make his third consecutive starting appearance.
The All Blacks have some fitness concerns over centre and goalkicker Dan Carter, who has been bracketed with Aucklander Sam Tuitupou.
If Tuitupou starts in place of Carter, Andrew Mehrtens will be included among the reserves.
Lock Keith Robinson has been forced out of the match with a back injury, conceding his place to Simon Maling, who also started against the Wallabies.
Auckland Blues lock Ali Williams has been recalled to the reserves bench.
Springboks coach Jake White was due to name his team on Wednesday.
South Africa enter the match after a 38-24 win over the Pacific Islanders at Gosford on Saturday.
New Zealand line-up: Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga (captain), Daniel Carter or Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko, Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall; Xavier Rush, Marty Holah, Jerry Collins, Simon Maling, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Kees Meeuws.
Reserves: Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock, Ali Williams, Craig Newby, Nick Evans, Sam Tuitupou or Andrew Mehrtens, Byron Kelleher. – Sapa-AP