The All Blacks have made five changes to their team to play Australia in their attempt to avoid the Tri-Nations wooden spoon in their Test on Saturday.
Coach Graham Henry was expected to make changes after the All Blacks fell to their third straight loss this year against South Africa last week, but the most surprising was the inclusion of debutant lock Tom Donnelly at the expense of Isaac Ross.
Prop Neemia Tialata returns to the front row in place of Owen Franks and Adam Thomson takes over from Jerome Kaino as blindside flanker for the final Tri-Nations Test of the year.
Cory Jane comes in to the starting line-up on the right wing, taking over from Joe Rokocoko who moves to the left wing in place of the injured Sitiveni Sivivatu.
Following the unsuccessful experiment of playing Stephen Donald at inside centre last week, Ma’a Nonu returns in the number 12 jersey and Isaia Toeava takes Nonu’s place at centre.
New Zealand team
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Isaia Toeava, Ma’a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Aled de Malmanche, John Afoa, Jason Eaton, Rodney So’oialo, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Hosea Gear