From correspondents in Auckland, New Zealand
July 15, 2009 All Blacks selectors have settled the one doubtful position ahead of Saturday's Test against the Wallabies, naming fit again Stephen Donald at fly half.
There are 10 largely predictable changes from the All Blacks last outing- - an unimpressive 27-6 victory over Italy - with the only other notable selection being the preference for Cory Jane on the wing ahead of Joe Rokocoko.

In a tumultuous week for the All Blacks' Test build up, an injury crisis at fly half forced the selectors to delay naming the team for 24 hours.

Donald, the original understudy for the injured Dan Carter, was down with a strained hamstring while rival contender Luke McAlister was suffering from back spasms.

But both players were able to run freely at training on Tuesday.

Donald struggled in the two Tests against France last month, but head coach Graham Henry said he was ready to start against Australia.


Fox Sports will broadcast LIVE an UNINTERRUPTED the first Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup Test between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park from 5.30pm (EST) on Saturday, July 18. And foxsports.com.au will bring you complementary LIVE BLOG coverage of the match so you can get involved and interact with your fellow users.


"We are pleased with the way that Stephen has developed since making his debut last year, he played well under difficult circumstances in the two French Tests this year and we believe he is the right man for this Test," Henry said when announcing the team.

The return of captain Richie McCaw and No.8 Rodney So'oialo strengthens a pack that was unable to dominate France and Italy in the June Tests.

But assistant coach Wayne Smith warned the two players alone cannot turn around a side that has failed to impress so far this year.

"Certainly they have a huge influence on the team, they contribute at team meetings and they give the guys confidence," Smith said.

"They've been around a long time and been successful for a long time ... but you can't expect them to carry the team. You can't put all that on them.

"One or two men never win a rugby game, it's the team that wins it."

Experienced winger Sitiveni Sivivatu returns from injury to get his first start of the season and Andrew Hore, who suffered a rib injury in the first Test against France, replaces Keven Mealamu in the front row.

Rokocoko, a 55-test veteran, has made way for Hurricanes fullback Jane on the right wing as the All Blacks anticipate an aerial assault from Matt Giteau, Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Other changes see Tony Woodcock and Neemia Tialata return to the front row, Jimmy Cowan will start at halfback and a fit again Conrad Smith takes over at outside centre.
Agence France-Presse

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-32464,00.html