The All Blacks have made three changes, two forced and the other expected, to their starting 15 for the second Bledisloe Cup rugby Test against Australia in Auckland on Saturday.
Second five-eighth Ma’a Nonu and blindside flanker Jerome Kaino have both been ruled out because of injuries received in the 12-12 draw in Sydney last weekend.
Nonu has been replaced by Ryan Crotty, who will get his first start in his eighth Test, and Kaino by Liam Messam.
Crotty came off the bench when Nonu left the field midway through the second half at ANZ Stadium.
Messam was rested from that match because of his heavy Super Rugby workload with the Chiefs.
Coach Steve Hansen confirmed that Nonu had deep shoulder bruising but was expected to be available for selection for the All Blacks’ next Test, against Argentina in Napier in two weeks.
However, Kaino’s injured elbow was expected to keep him out of rugby for four to six weeks.
The loss of the experienced Nonu (92 caps) and Kaino (52) has been partially offset by the return of centre Conrad Smith for his 78th Test.
Smith was named for the opening Bledisloe Cup encounter, but missed it after he returned to New Zealand for the birth of his first child.
His inclusion means Malakai Fekitoa switches to the bench, where he will be joined by prop Charlie Faumuina, who has got over his illness.
There will be a personal milestone for winger Cory Jane, who will bring up 50 caps.
The All Blacks came away disappointed with the stalemate in Sydney, which stopped them from claiming a world record 18th Test win in a row.
But Hansen said they were excited by the opportunity to retain the Bledisloe Cup with victory at Eden Park and also to play their first home fixture of this year’s Rugby Championship.
“We have been working hard on all aspects of our game this week and there’s a definite resolve to improve the quality of our performance on Saturday.”
All Blacks: Ben Smith, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Malakai Fekitoa.
