All Blacks decide to alter their lineup

All Blacks coach John Mitchell made eight personnel and two positional changes to his starting lineup for Saturday's rugby union international against Wales in Hamilton.

Mitchell unveiled five changes in the forward pack after last weekend's 15-13 loss to England and included new cap Daniel Carter at inside center in a reorganized backline. The changes appear to be more a reflection of Mitchell's wish to rotate his squad in the first tests of the domestic season than a reaction to the loss to England.

The only unit to survive intact in a radically altered forward pack was the second row of Ali Williams, who escaped suspension for a stamping charge against England, and Chris Jack.

The front row is completely changed with props Kees Meeuws and Carl Hoeft and hooker Keven Mealamu replacing Greg Somerville, Dave Hewett and Anton Oliver. Mealamu, who added impact as Oliver's replacement Saturday, will be starting in a home test match for the first time.

Captain Reuben Thorne is the only player to hold his place in an altered backrow. Jerry Collins replaced his Wellington Hurricanes teammate Rodney So'oialo at No.8 while Marty Holah, playing on his home ground, has been named ahead of industrious openside flanker Richie McCaw.

Backline alterations point to a more attacking style from the All Blacks against Wales. New Zealand scored only one try against England in Wellington.

Doug Howlett moves from fullback to the right wing to allow the return from injury of Leon MacDonald while Tana Umaga moves from inside to outside center to accommodate Carter.

MacDonald missed the England test with a head injury. Utility back Aaron Mauger, who has been troubled by a foot injury, was recalled to the reserves bench.

Carter provides goalkicking backup to flyhalf Carlos Spencer, who missed four shots at goal against England.