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Rugby Union

McCaw returns for All Blacks

29/07/2008

Richie McCaw has been named in the starting XV for the All Blacks crucial Tri-Nations game against Australia on Saturday.

The New Zealand captain has been out of action since injuring his ankle in the second test victory against England last month.

McCaw will play in his usual position of openside flanker with Rodney So'oialo moving to No.8 and Jerome Kaino switching to blindside.

Conrad Smith has also been recalled to the centres in place of Richard Kahui and the return of Leon MacDonald at full-back sees Mils Muliaina moving to the wing.

Injury problems continue to cripple the All Blacks squad though, and late fitness tests mean coach Graham Henry has had to name three players at scrum half and two at hooker.

"We've made some tactical changes in our selections," Henry said after announcing the team.

"But we also need to change how we play. Clearly there are areas we need to improve on from Sydney. We have to have the right game plan and execution."

The All Blacks have lost to South Africa and Australia already in this year's Tri-Nations.


New Zealand team to play Australia on Saturday

Backs:

15 Leon MacDonald
14 Mils Muliaina
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Dan Carter
9 Jimmy Cowan/Piri Weepu/Andy Ellis

Forwards:

Tony Woodcock
Andrew Hore/Keven Mealamu
Greg Somerville
Brad Thorn
Ali Williams
Jerome Kaino
Richie McCaw (captain)
8 Rodney So'oialo

Replacements:

16 Andrew Hore/Keven Mealamu
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Adam Thomson/Daniel Braid
20 Jimmy Cowan/Piri Weepu/Andy Ellis
21 Stephen Donald
22 Richard Kahui