Graham Henry has made three changes to the New Zealand squad that battered Australia 49-28 in Melbourne on Saturday for the upcoming clash against the same opposition in Christchurch this weekend.
Piri Weepu comes in at scrum half for the injured Jimmy Cowan, Benson Stanley edges out Israel Dagg on the replacements bench, while uncapped scrum half Alby Mathewson also earns a place in the 22-man squad.
New Zealand have been very impressive in wins over South Africa and Australia in this season’s Tri-Nations, but All Blacks coach Graham Henry believes his side can still improve.
“The win in Melbourne was very pleasing and the exciting thing is that there is a real desire amongst the players to build on that performance,†he said.
“It’s good to be back in Christchurch, there’s a real Test match buzz in the city, and the guys are really looking forward to playing in the rebuilt AMI Stadium.”
New Zealand team to play Australia: M Muliaina; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, J Rokocoko; D Carter, P Weepu; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, O Franks, B Thorn, T Donnelly, J Kaino, R McCaw (captain), K Read.
Replacements: C Flynn, B Franks, S Whitelock, V Vito, A Mathewson, A Cruden, B Stanley.
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