Israel Dagg and Sonny Bill to start against Tonga

Jimmy Cowan, left, and Sonny Bill Williams will start against Tonga. Photo by Reuters

All Blacks' coach Graham Henry has named Israel Dagg at fullback for the Rugby World Cup opener against Tonga on Friday night.

The Hawke's Bay youngster will make his eighth test appearance, earning a starting spot ahead of 98-test veteran Mils Muliaina.

Sonny Bill Williams will also play in his eighth test partnering Ma'a Nonu in the centres while in other changes Jimmy Cowan will start at halfback ahead of Piri Weepu.

Richard Kahui also gets a rare start on the wing along with Isaia Toeava while Cory Jane is moved to the bench and Zac Guildford is left out of the squad.

All Black captain Richie McCaw will run out for New Zealand in his 99th test.

In the front row, the All Blacks most capped prop Tony Woodcock will pack down alongside 55-Test hooker Andrew Hore and Owen Franks.

Experienced locks Brad Thorn and Ali Williams, who were the starting locks against Tonga at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, will start their 20th Test together, while Jerome Kaino brings experience back at blindside flanker, and Victor Vito gets just the third start of his burgeoning All Blacks career at number eight.

Cowan and playmaker Daniel Carter will start their 25th Test together while in the midfield.

Meanwhile, the squad also features the first All Blacks appearance this year for lock Anthony Boric, who is on the bench. Boric's 2011 season ended prematurely after he suffered a foot injury during the Super Rugby Finals Series. Halfback Piri Weepu also looks set to make his 50th Test appearance off the bench.

Commenting on the team to play Tonga, All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: "There is real competition in a number of positions, at fullback and on the wings and other positions as well, and the selection of the starting XV reflects that. Those players selected have now been given the opportunity which is exciting and they will all look to make the most of their chance.''

Henry said that it was important for to give the "backbone'' of the starting XV regular game time together in the Pool Play matches, but balance it with the fact that other players needed to have the opportunity to get game time as well.

Henry added: "Everyone in the All Blacks squad is excited by what lies ahead and we have also been humbled by the fantastic support we have been receiving. From the player's visit to the small towns to the official welcome at Aotea Square and just the people we meet when we are out and about, there is huge support which is really special.''

All Blacks:

1. Tony Woodcock (76)

2. Andrew Hore (55)

3. Owen Franks (24)

4. Brad Thorn (52)

5. Ali Williams (66)

6. Jerome Kaino (41)

7. Richie McCaw _ captain (98)

8. Victor Vito (8)

9. Jimmy Cowan (47)

10. Daniel Carter (83)

11. Isaia Toeava (32)