NZ v Australia: Teams

Stephen Donald will get the chance to make the All Black No.10 jersey his own after getting the nod to face Australia at Eden Park.

Donald has shaken off a hamstring injury to get the nod ahead of Luke McAlister for the Tri-Nations - and Bledisloe Cup - opener.

And the 25-year-old Chiefs star will be looking to make a big impression, especially as Daniel Carter is close to a return to action.

The All Blacks have also recalled Sitiveni Sivivatu to the wing, with Hurricanes full-back Cory Jane selected ahead of Joe Rokocoko on the other flank.

In the back-row Richie McCaw and Rodney So'oialo return to action after injuries ruled them out of the June Tests against France and Italy.

Australia No.8 Wycliff Palu is ready to take his chance after being called into the side.

Powerhouse Palu missed the Tests against Barbarians, Italy and France after breaking two bones in his hand, however he is back to full fitness and determined to make up for lost time.

Opportunity

"It's a big opportunity for me and a good game to come back to, against the All Blacks," Palu said.

"I couldn't wish for anything more. Physically, these All Blacks Tests are all pretty tough, but I think the mental side is going to get us over the edge and I'm definitely ready for it."

Palu comes into the side in the place of Dean Mumm, who drops to the bench, with Richard Brown switching from No.8 to flanker.

Deans has also included veteran Phil Waugh and David Pocock among the replacements to provide cover for the openside flank.

New Zealand: 15 M Muliaina, 14 C Jane, 13 C Smith, 12 M Nonu, 11 S Sivivatu, 10 S Donald, 9 J Cowan; 1 T Woodcock, 2 A Hore, 3 N Tialata, 4 B Thorn, 5 I Ross, 6 J Kaino, 7 R McCaw (capt), 8 R So'oialo
Replacements: 16 K Mealamu, 17 O Franks, 18 J Eaton, 19 K Read, 20 P Weepu, 21 L McAlister, 22 J Rokocoko

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Phil Waugh, 20 David Pocock, 21 Will Genia, 22 James O'Connor