Flanker Reuben Thorne was named to play his first test in three years as New Zealand made eight changes to its starting lineup for Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa.
Thorne last played for New Zealand, in his 41st test since his 1999 debut and his 22nd as captain, in the third-fourth playoff at the 2003 World Cup in Australia.
His international career seemed to be over when he shared the blame, with coaches John Mitchell and Robbie Deans, for New Zealand's World Cup failure -- a semifinal loss to Australia. But he won a surprise recall to this season's All Blacks squad at the age of 31.
Thorne missed early season tests against Ireland and Argentina and New Zealand's 32-12 win over Australia in the Tri-Nations opener a fortnight ago. His international career will get its second wind at Wellington Stadium on Saturday when he starts in place of Jerry Collins in a reorganized All Blacks forward pack.
Richie McCaw will lead New Zealand again from the openside flank with Thorne on the blindside and Rodney So'oialo secure at No. 8. Ali Williams joins Chris Jack in the second row, replacing Jason Eaton, while another former captain, Anton Oliver, returns at hooker in place of Keven Mealamu.
Young powerhouse Neemia Tialata has been named at loosehead prop in place of Tony Woodcock, who has a shoulder injury.
Two new wingers have been named in a revamped backline. Veteran Doug Howlett will start on the right wing in place of Rico Gear and Scott Hamilton, in only his second test start, on the left in place of Joe Rokocoko.
Sam Tuitupou has been named at inside center in place of Aaron Mauger as the All Blacks selectors continue to experiment with midfield lineups. Piri Weepu starts in place of Byron Kelleher at halfback.
"The changes help to keep all of our players physically and mentally sharp," coach Graham Henry said yesterday. "We hope that can provide an edge for us against South Africa this weekend and for the Tri-Nations series as a whole."
Henry said the selectors had made more changes than originally planned, acknowledging public disquiet with the constantly changing shape of the All Blacks team this season.
The New Zealand coach has used five substantially different combinations in five tests since June.
"We were encouraged by the way we played against Australia and we hope to maintain form while using more of the talent we have available in the squad," he said.
Many New Zealand fans have expressed concern that the selectors are not allowing combinations to develop less than a year out from the 2007 World Cup in France.
South Africa, which is due to name its match lineup today, has called flyhalf Butch James into its touring squad as it looks for a sound playmaker. Jaco van der Westhuyzen failed in that role in Brisbane last weekend, a 49-0 loss to the Wallabies.
Saturday's Tri-Nations match will be the 50th test match played in Wellington.
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