The All Blacks have ditched their experimental line-ups and included their big guns to face a resurgent Australia in the opening Tri-Nations Test here on Saturday.
New Zealand split their best players between two different line-ups in their less than emphatic wins over Ireland and Argentina last month.
But coach Graham Henry is not taking any selection risks for the Tri-Nations series against South Africa and the Wallabies.
The Wallabies easily beat England and Ireland in Tests last month under new coach John Connolly and will be aiming to wrest back the Bledisloe Cup, the symbol of rugby supremacy between Australia and New Zealand.
”We face a resurgent Australia and a big battle to retain the Bledisloe Cup,” Henry said after naming the team on Tuesday.
Henry confirmed that Mils Muliaina, who usually plays at fullback, will move to outside centre, the most unsettled position in the line-up since the retirement this year of former captain Tana Umaga.
Six players have filled the position in the last six Tests and Henry has experimented with different combinations this year after leading contender Conrad Smith broke his leg.
The decision for the Tri-Nations opener was made easier following news that powerhouse utility back Ma’a Nonu had broken a thumb at the weekend and will be unavailable for six weeks.
Moving Muliaina, who has played almost all his 38 Tests at fullback but has played at centre for his Waikato Chiefs Super 14 side, also allows the inclusion of the in-form Leon McDonald at fullback.
”This week, we have both in the starting line-up which we think is best for this particular match against Australia,” Henry said.
Veteran Byron Kelleher has edged out Piri Weepu at halfback and Jason Eaton has won his fifth cap alongside Chris Jack in the second row. – AFP