Inspirational captain Richie McCaw returns from injury to boost a revamped All Blacks side in Saturday’s rugby rematch against Australia, as coach Graham Henry called for a change of attitude.
The 19-34 thrashing by the Wallabies in last weekend’s Tri-Nations Test in Sydney has forced Henry to make several changes to his starting line-up to shore up the weak points.
Notably, the return of McCaw after six weeks out with an ankle injury will allow stand-in captain Rodney So’oialo and Jerome Kaino to return to their specialist positions of number eight and blindside flanker.
McCaw’s absence left a huge hole in the All Blacks ball-winning abilities and they were clearly outplayed at the breakdowns last weekend by Wallaby trio of George Smith, Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Paul.
Sione Lauaki, who had an error-filled run in the first Test against Australia, has been dropped from the squad, as has winger Anthony Tuitavake.
Mils Muliaina now moves to the right wing, allowing Leon MacDonald to start at fullback while Conrad Smith returns to the midfield in place of the novice Richard Kahui.
”We’ve made some tactical changes in our selections, but we also need to change how we play,” Henry said.
”Clearly there are areas we need to improve on from Sydney. We have to have the right game plan and execution.”
Injury concerns in crucial areas have also hampered Henry’s selection.
Andrew Hore, who suffered a hip injury in Sydney, has been bracketed with Keven Mealamu at hooker while Jimmy Cowan, Andy Ellis and Piri Weepu are all bracketed at halfback, with Cowan and Ellis both in doubt.
A final decision on the injured players will be made on Thursday.
All Blacks: Leon MacDonald; Mils Muliaina, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan/Piri Weepu/Andrew Ellis; Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino; Ali Williams, Brad Thorn; Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore/Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hore/Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson/Daniel Braid, Cowan/Weepu/Ellis, Stephen Donald, Richard Kahui. — Sapa-AFP