Andrew Mehrtens has been named in the All Blacks’ starting line-up for Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Mehrtens’ elevation to the flyhalf spot comes at the expense of Carlos Spencer, who is not in New Zealand’s 22-man squad.
It is one of three changes to the side that lost 23-18 to Australia at the weekend. Injury has forced coach Graham Henry’s hand at inside centre, with Sam Tuitupou replacing Daniel Carter.
Tuitupou is carrying a rib injury, but Henry said it was ”getting better by the day”. There is capable back-up on the bench in Aaron Mauger.
The third change sees Simon Maling come in for Ali Williams at lock. ”Ali Williams had an opportunity on Saturday and didn’t totally take it,” said Henry. ”We thought Simon Maling’s maturity in this game may be helpful.”
Spencer’s axing was also put down to form. ”He will be disappointed with his form in Australia and we decided to replace him for this Test,” added Henry.
Assistant coach Steve Hansen said it would be important for New Zealand to match the physical challenge posed by South Africa.
”We have to meet the South Africans’ aggression levels and we have to do our basics well, something we didn’t do particularly well in Australia,” said Hansen.
”The first six lineouts … resulted in some pretty shoddy lineout play. We’ve got to get that right, scrum well and do the business around the park.”
All Black team: (15) Mils Muliaina (14) Doug Howlett (13) Tana Umaga (captain) (12) Sam Tuitupou (11) Joe Rokocoko (10) Andrew Mehrtens (9) Justin Marshall (8) Xavier Rush (7) Marty Holah (6) Jono Gibbes (5) Simon Maling (4) Chris Jack (3) Carl Hayman (2) Keven Mealamu (1) Kees Meeuws
Reserves: (22) Aaron Mauger (21) Nick Evans (20) Byron Kelleher (19) Craig Newby (18) Mose Tuiali’i (17) Greg Somerville (16 ) Andrew Hore – Sapa