The All Blacks hooker has been interchangeable with rival and team-mate Andrew Hore in recent tests. Either one is considered good enough to start in the black jersey, but not surprisingly, it is Mealamu with the No 2 on his back for the Bledisloe Cup clash at Suncorp Stadium.
It is a fitting reward for the 33-year-old, who is a loyal and consistent player for the All Blacks. Mealamu is just the third player to reach the milestone for New Zealand, behind Mils Muliaina, now playing in Japan, and captain Richie McCaw, both of whom played their 100th tests in last year's World Cup.
"On behalf of the All Blacks' players and management, I want to congratulate Keven on reaching this very special milestone," coach Steve Hansen said.
"Kevvy is a hugely respected man, not only in the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby, but also in his wider community. He is a key leader in the team and one of the true gentlemen of New Zealand rugby." Mealamu, who made his All Blacks debut in 2002, made his 93rd test start as a hooker and achieved his 80th victory in the first test against Australia this year - setting records by a hooker in international rugby. He is New Zealand's most capped Super Rugby player with 143 appearances and is the Blues' most capped player with 132.
The All Blacks leave Christchurch for Brisbane this afternoon. Hansen's involvement in the build-up to the test is still in question following the death of his father, Des, on Tuesday.
The All Blacks lost this corresponding encounter last year, which doubled as the Tri Nations decider.
Apart from the inclusion of Mealamu over Hore, the starting XV features just one change from that which started the last test of the Rugby Championship against South Africa two weeks ago, with prop Charlie Faumuina getting his first test start. Owen Franks moves to the bench.
Other changes on the bench from the test against the Boks, won handsomely by the All Blacks as they completed a sweep of the Rugby Championship, see Victor Vito in for Adam Thomson as loose forward cover. Ben Smith replaces Tamati Ellison in the outside back reserve jersey.
The All Blacks will take a squad of 26 to Brisbane, with Ellison, Julian Savea, Ben Franks and Sam Cane joining the match-day 22. Thomson and prop Wyatt Crockett will stay in New Zealand and will be available to play for their respective ITM Cup sides, Otago and Canterbury, in the semifinals.
All Blacks team
To play Australia in Brisbane on Saturday
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.
