Skipper Richie McCaw is set to a make dramatic return to the All Blacks starting XV for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Sydney as Graham Henry rolls the dice for the high-stakes clash.
The return of skipper McCaw, way ahead of a schedule that originally had him aiming for the August 17 fixture against the Springboks in Cape Town, is the main feature of a starting lineup unveiled by Henry today that features five changes to the XV that ran out against the Boks in Dunedin.
McCaw has been bracketed with Auckland openside Daniel Braid for the match, but Braid will likely not travel to Sydney on Thursday if the skipper comes through the week's training exertions in the capital without any problems with his ankle.
McCaw went down with a badly sprained ankle in the second test against England on June 21, and has not played since. But he made an unexpectedly early return to training this week, and will play providing he proves his fitness through the week
McCaw's return on the openside flank sees the loose trio return to a more balanced look, with Rodney So'oialo reverting to the blindside flank and Jerome Kaino retaining his spot at No 8.
Otago flanker Adam Thomson is the casualty from the Dunedin defeat in the loose forwards, dropping right out of the match 22 for the ANZ Stadium clash that kicks off at 8.05pm.
The other changes in the pack are largely expected, with Brad Thorn back after his one-game suspension to join a fit-again Ali Williams in the second row and veteran tighhthead prop Greg Somerville resuming in the No 3 jersey after making way for John Afoa in Dunedin. Both Anthony Boric and Afoa drop to the reserves.
It's in the backs where Henry has sprung a surprise or two. He has gone for exciting young Waikato midfielder Richard Kahui ahead of the more experienced Conrad Smith at centre, given Anthony Tuitavake the chance on the right wing ahead of Rudi Wulf and also retained Andy Ellis at halfback, despite mounting support for Jimmy Cowan to be given a chance.
Kahui's selection will probably raise the most eyebrows. He had a sensational test debut against England in Christchurch, but the All Blacks coaches have been keen to bed in the established midfield combination of Smith and Ma'a Nonu since.
But the more powerful Kahui gets the nod to go head-to-head against Wallaby danger man Stirling Mortlock who presents a real threat to the All Blacks with his powerful running and offloading ability.
Tuitavake probably deserves his chance, despite Wulf having a solid last test outing in Dunedin, while Mils Muliaina retains the fullback jersey despite suggestions Leon MacDonald might get a chance this week. There's also another chance for out-of-sorts wing Sitiveni Sivivatu who will need an improved showing this week.
"All of the players involved have performed well when given a chance, and we think this combination gives us the best chance to win this week," said Henry.
The All Blacks will take 24 players to Australia with a flanker (either Daniel Braid or Adam Thomson) and wing Rudi Wulf to travel with the 22-man match squad.
NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 8 Andy Ellis; 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Daniel Braid/Richie McCaw (c), 6 Rodney So'oialo, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock: Reserves: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Conrad Smith.
