New Zealand made seven changes yesterday to its starting lineup for Saturday's Tri Nations rugby Test against South Africa, reorganizing its backline after a recent, surprise loss to Australia.
Piri Weepu will start at halfback, Doug Howlett on the right wing, Luke McAlister and Isaia Toeava return from injury to fill the contentious center positions in a reshaped back division. Mils Muliaina starts at fullback in the absence of Leon MacDonald who has a groin injury.
Among the forwards, Keith Robinson returns at lock to partner Chris Jack, Reuben Thorne starts on the blindside flank ahead of Jerry Collins and Keven Mealamu has been named at hooker ahead of Anton Oliver.
Conrad Smith returns from a lengthy layoff, caused by hamstring and eye injuries, to join a reserves bench which includes hooker Andrew Hore and halfback Brendon Leonard. Test match regulars Anton Oliver and Byron Kelleher, who started at hooker and halfback against Australia, are not in the 22-man squad.
"Our goal is to improve on the first two Tri Nations Tests," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said yesterday.
"We can play better and these two home matches [against South Africa and Australia] are our last chance to do so before the Rugby World Cup," Henry said.
"We also want to see some players get more time on the field, so there have been changes to the lineup. The challenge is to make sure everyone in the squad is raising the standard," he said.
Midfield remains a major area of concern for the All Blacks who have continued to explore combinations in a dwindling number of matches ahead of September and October's World Cup in France.
McAlister and Toeava have been teamed against South Africa in a young, inexperienced and probably vulnerable midfield which seems to lack defensive solidity.
Toeava missed the All Blacks' 20-15 loss to Australia in Melbourne two weeks ago because of a bruised shoulder but now reclaims the No. 13 jersey which was worn by McAlister in that match.
The 21-year-old Auckland Blues center has been a favorite of the All Blacks selectors since 2005, though he has appeared to lack the defensive nous and handling ability vital to the position.
McAlister, who has been tried at flyhalf, inside and outside center during his international career, has also been found wanting in defense.
South Africa is due to name its match lineup today.
Meanwhile, Australia has named suspended winger Lote Tuqiri in a 30-man training squad to prepare for the final Tri Nations Test against New Zealand in Auckland on July 21.
Tuqiri is not eligible to play in the match because he is serving a two-match suspension.
Injured hooker Adam Freier and No. 8 Wycliff Palu have also been included in the squad.
Queenslanders Chris Latham, Berrick Barnes and Rodney Blake will join the squad on Monday.
New Zealand
Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe, Brendon Leonard, Conrad Smith, Nick Evans.
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