New Zealand captain Richie McCaw and flyhalf Daniel Carter will take the field for the fourth weekend in a row on Saturday in the latest refinement to coach Graham Henry's long-term World Cup strategy.
Prop Carl Hayman, who started against England and in the two
tests against France, has also been named for Saturday's test
against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in a deliberate attempt by
Henry to replicate the pressures of next year's World Cup.
"If we're going to progress a long way in the World Cup
they'll be doing exactly the same, playing three or four huge games
in succession," said Henry.
Before the All Blacks kicked off their four-test European
tour, the New Zealand management said they planned to select their
best team for the second test against France.
But on paper the side to play the 2005 grand slam champions
looks at least as strong as the team who defeated France 23-11 in
Paris last Saturday.
Mils Muliaina is back at fullback after playing at centre in
Paris while Rico Gear, the most skilled New Zealand wing, returns
to the arena where he scored a hat-trick last year.
In the absence of Aaron Mauger through injury, Conrad Smith
is paired with Luke McAlister at centre and Keith Robinson will
lock the scrum with Ali Williams.
New Zealand- Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Conrad
Smith, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Byron
Kelleher; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (C), Jerry Collins, Ali
Williams, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Neemia Tialata
Replacements: Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock, James
Ryan, Reuben Thorne, Piri Weepu, Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu