NZ v South Africa: Teams

Joe van Niekerk has got the nod ahead of Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski for the No.8 jersey for the Tri-Nations opener against the All Blacks in Wellington.

Spies and Kankowski were both given a chance to stake a claim for the role in the Tests against Wales, while van Niekerk came off the bench for one-off game against Italy.

And it was the performance of the Lions forward against the Azzurri that saw him earn his place in the side to face New Zealand.

Coach Peter de Villiers said: "Joe came back into the Springbok camp after having a brilliant Super 14 and he showed to all of us that he means business.

"When he got his one chance against Italy he took it with both hands. He earned his place."

Kankowski, who had his contract cancelled at Northampton cancelled without him playing a game because of fears over his fitness, is joined in the back-row by the returning Schalk Burger.

Confidence

De Villiers has also reverted to full-back Conrad Jantjies and centre Adrian Jacobs in his back-line - with World Cup winners Percy Montgomery and Francois Steyn once again making way.

Although Montgomery and Steyn miss out, 10 of the players that started the World Cup final in 2007 are named in the line-up.

And captain John Smit believes that the confidence from that win, coupled with the fresh approach of new coach de Villiers, will inspire the Boks.

All Blacks news

New Zealand lock Ali Williams is on course to play his 50th test match against South Africa on Saturday despite reports suggesting he had re-injured his ankle.

Williams was a doubt before the game in Wellington after injuring his ankle and in the 44-12 second test victory over England in Christchurch last month.

Local media reported that Williams had hurt his ankle again on Thursday after landing awkwardly while practising lineouts.

Henry, however, expects the 27-year-old to take his place alongside Brad Thorn.

"Ali Williams is where we thought he would be," Henry told reporters on Friday. "He is on track to play."

The All Blacks are already missing captain Richie McCaw for the clash against the world champions - with Anthony Boric placed on standby for Williams.

New Zealand face the Boks with an inexperienced pack, although No.8 Jerome Kaino is confident the younger players can step up and perform.

"It's put a lot of pressure on the younger guys, especially Anthony Boric," said Kaino.

"With Ali sitting out training the last couple of days, it's put a lot of focus on the younger guys to just step up and take charge of the lineout.

"With Ali stepping back into the lineout today, everyone just slotted into their place."

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis; 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Andrew Hore, 3 Greg Somerville, 4 Brad Thorn, 5 Ali Williams, 6 Adam Thomson, 7 Rodney So'oialo (capt), 8 Jerome Kaino.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Leon MacDonald.

South Africa: 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Ricky Januarie; 1 Gurthro Steenkamp, 2 John Smit (capt) , 3 CJ van der Linde, 4 Bakkies Botha, 5 Victor Matfield, 6 Schalk Burger, 7 Juan Smith, 8 Joe van Niekerk.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Brian Mujati, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Luke Watson, 20 Bolla Conradie, 21 Francois Steyn, 22 Percy Montgomery.