McCaw boost for All Blacks

McCaw: Back

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New Zealand have turned to Richie McCaw as they bid to reverse the slump that has seen them lose back-to-back Tri-Nations matches.

The All Blacks skipper had been rated at "50:50" to play in the 34-19 defeat to Australia in Sydney, however he has been rushed back for the return march in Auckland.

McCaw's return to the openside flank after an ankle injury means that Rodney So'oialo moves to No.8 and Jerome Kaino switches to the blindside.

Centre Conrad Smith is recalled to the starting line-up in place of Richard Kahui, while Mils Muliaina moves to the wing to accommodate the return of Leon MacDonald at full-back.

Late fitness tests mean New Zealand have pencilled in three players for the No.9 shirt and two at hooker.

Tactical

Jimmy Cowan and Andrew Ellis are bracketed with Piri Weepu at scrum-half, with Keven Mealamu provisionally included with Andrew Hore fighting to be fit.

Back-row Sione Lauaki and wing Anthony Tuitavake have been dropped from the squad.

Under-fire coach Graham Henry admits the defeats to South Africa and the Wallabies have forced him in to changes.

"We've made some tactical changes in our selections," said Henry.

"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."

New Zealand: 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, 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Andrew Hore/Keven Mealamu, 3 Greg Somerville, 4 Brad Thorn, 5 Ali Williams, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 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.