New Zealand head coach Graham Henry has restored all his most experienced players for Saturday’s Tri-Nations opener against holders South Africa.
The Springboks coasted to Tri-Nations success a year ago, when they won all three meetings with the All Blacks, and Henry will be desperate to turn things around this year.
Full back Israel Dagg was hugely impressive on his All Blacks debut against Ireland last month while prop Ben Franks and centre Benson Stanley also made their first test appearances in that wide margin New Plymouth win.
However, Henry has recalled full back Mils Muliana(pictured), fit-again centre Ma’a Nonu and prop Tony Woodcock to those positions as part of a side which holds a collective 671 caps, which according to local media reports makes it the most experienced New Zealand line-up in history.
This week’s starting line-up contains 11 of those who played the final game of last year’s Tri-Nations, a 32-29 defeat to the Springboks in Wellington, with Conrad Smith, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks and Jerome Kaino the only changes to the side.
New Zealand team (v South Africa, 10/7/07): Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt.), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Samuel Whitelock, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui.
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