All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made five changes to the
starting team for Saturday night's Tri-Nations rugby test
against Australia in Sydney.
Aaron Cruden will start at first five-eighth in place of
Daniel Carter, who is recovering from ankle surgery, Israel
Dagg replaces Joe Rokocoko on the left wing, Piri Weepu has
won the halfback spot ahead of Jimmy Cowan, Victor Vito will
replace Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker, and prop Owen
Franks starts in place of brother Ben.
Cowan and Kaino have been named on the bench, as has uncapped
Canterbury five-eighth Colin Slade, while Rene Ranger comes
in as outside back cover and lock Anthony Boric takes the
place of Sam Whitelock.
Henry said the All Blacks were expecting a strong challenge
from the Wallabies, who would take confidence from their
41-39 win against South Africa in Bloemfontein last Sunday.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will lead the side for the
52nd test match, which moves him past Sean Fitzpatrick as the
most capped test skipper in All Blacks history.
A win for the All Blacks would see them achieve a record 10
consecutive victories over Australia. They would also become
the first team to win all six matches in a Tri-Nations
series.
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