All Blacks make seven changes

All Blacks coach Graham Henry and the his selectors today made seven changes to the New Zealand team to play the Springboks in their Tri Nations clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

There are four changes in the backs and three in the forwards from the side that lost to the Wallabies in Melbourne. The changes are as follows:

– Doug Howlett replaces Rico Gear on one wing.
– Sitiveni Sivivatu comes in for Joe Rokocoko on the other wing.
– Luke McAlister moves from outside centre to inside centre as Isaia Toeava returns.
– Piri Weepu replaces Byron Kelleher at scrumhalf.
– Lock Keith Robinson returns from injury to replace Troy Flavell.
– Reuben Thorne comes into the side at blindside flank ahead of Jerry Collins.
– Keven Mealamu replaces Anton Oliver at hooker.

“Our goal is to improve on the first two Tri-Nations tests,” said Graham Henry about the selections.

“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.”

The full New Zealand side to play South Africa on Saturday is as follows:

01. Tony Woodcock
02. Keven Mealamu
03. Carl Hayman
04. Chris Jack
05. Keith Robinson
06. Reuben Thorne
07. Richie McCaw (c)
08. Rodney So`oialo

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

Replacements:

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