McCaw loses fitness race

Flanker not yet ready to make his return from injury

Last updated: 23rd July 2008

McCaw loses fitness race

McCaw: not yet ready to return

I've been preparing all week like I'm going to be playing with the knowledge that Richie could be there but now I've got the nod I'm really excited.

Daniel Braid
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All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been ruled out of Saturday's Tri-Nations fixture against Australia.

McCaw is not yet ready to return from the ankle injury he suffered against England last month despite originally being named in the XV to play in Sydney.

Daniel Braid will start at openside flanker in McCaw's place, while Rodney So'oialo again leads the side.

"I'm pretty excited to be honest," said Braid, who returns to the international arena after a five-year absence.

"I've been preparing all week like I'm going to be playing with the knowledge that Richie could be there but now I've got the nod I'm really excited."

The inclusion of Braid is one of five changes to the side that lost to South Africa in Dunedin.

Adam Thomson makes way for Braid, with Brad Thorn back from suspension to replace Anthony Boric and Greg Somerville getting the nod at tighthead ahead of John Afoa.

In the backs, Richard Kahui - who shone on his debut against England - is selected ahead of Conrad Smith, while winger Anthony Tuitavake replaces Rudi Wulf.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Andrew Hore, 3 Greg Somerville, 4 Brad Thorn, 5 Ali Williams, 6 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Daniel Braid, 8 Jerome Kaino

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Conrad Smith

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