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 backline 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. "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 replaced Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko on the wings while Luke McAlister moved from outside centre to inside centre to allow for the return of Isaia Toeava.
Piri Weepu replaced Byron Kelleher at flyhalf while lock Keith Robinson returned from injury for Troy Flavell.
Reuben Thorne was named at blindside flanker ahead of Jerry Collins while Keven Mealamu took 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 21st in the final game of the tournament.
