All Blacks make seven changes

[Burgs]

All Blacks make seven changes

NZRU

New Zealand selectors have made seven changes to the All Blacks team to play South Africa in the Tri-Nations at Christchurch on Saturday.

Coach Graham Henry made four changes to the back line and three to his forward pack from the starting side that was beaten by Australia in Melbourne on June 30.

"Our goal is to improve on the first two Tri-Nations Tests," Henry said in a statement.

"We can play better and these two home matches are our last chance to do so before the Rugby World Cup.

"We also want to see some players get more time on the field, so there have been changes to the line-up.

"The challenge is to make sure everyone in the squad is raising the standard."

Doug Howlett and Sitiveni Sivivatu replace Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko on the wings while Luke McAlister moves from outside centre to inside centre to allow for the return of Isaia Toeava.

Piri Weepu replaces Byron Kelleher at fly half while lock Keith Robinson returns from injury for Troy Flavell.

Reuben Thorne was named at blindside flanker ahead of Jerry Collins while Keven Mealamu takes over the hooking role from Anton Oliver.

New Zealand are currently in second place in the Tri-Nations standings with five points from two matches but can grab the title if they win their last two matches, both at home.

South Africa are also on five points from three games and have a mathematical chance of winning while Australia lead the table with nine points from three games.

They play New Zealand in Auckland on July 21 in the final game of the tournament.

-Reuters

New Zealand:

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu
3. Carl Hayman
4. Chris Jack
5. Keith Robinson
6. Reuben Thorne
7. Richie McCaw
8. Rodney So'oialo

9. Piri Weepu
10. Dan Carter
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Luke McAlister
13. Isaia Toeava
14. Doug Howlett
15. Malili Muliaina

16. Andrew Hore
17. Neemia Tialata
18. Chris Masoe
19. Jerry Collins
20. Brendon Leonard
21. Conrad Smith
22. Nick Evans

[Nick]

Much better Locking Line Up, Piri is very aggressive at 9 and Leonard is electric when he comes on at scrum half, i like the look of the back line a lot more and a pretty dangerous bench. The Front row again look the business.