All Blacks name strong XV

Despite having already won Pool A, New Zealand have selected a number of first-choice players for Sunday's clash with Canada.

McCaw and Carter named in starting XV to face Canada

Despite having already guaranteed top spot in Pool A, New Zealand have named key duo Dan Carter and Richie McCaw in their starting line-up for Sunday's clash with Canada in Wellington. The starting XV also features the return of Mils Muliaina at full-back in his 99th Test, while Israel Dagg moves to the right wing, Sonny Bill Williams comes in at inside centre for his fifth Test start and scrum-half Jimmy Cowan starts his 50th Test match. In the forwards, Kieran Read returns to the starting XV for his first start in the Rugby World Cup after recovering from his ankle sprain; Andrew Hore has been named at hooker with Ali Williams at lock. "We are looking to improve each week during the Rugby World Cup, with an increase in intensity and execution, and we will be looking to do that again this week," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. "Having said that, the Canadians have shown in this Rugby World Cup just what they are capable of, including a good win over Tonga and the hard-fought draw against Japan, so we are expecting a passionate contest." As well as the 50-Test milestone for Cowan, Henry and his assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith will celebrate their 100th All Blacks Test together as a coaching trio. New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Brad Thorn, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Isaia Toeava.