13 Aug 2008

No changes to All Blacks starting XV

9:27 am on 13 August 2008

Graham Henry has named an unchanged All Blacks starting team for the Test against South Africa early on Sunday morning.

But there is one change in the reserves with Isaia Toeava replacing Anthony Tuitavake to earn his first All Blacks selection since the World Cup loss to France last year. The Auckland centre and fullback was called in to the squad to replace Leon MacDonald who has concussion.

The pack to take on the Springboks is markedly different from the side which lost to the South Africans 30-28 in Dunedin on July 12 with Richie McCaw in for Adam Thompson, Brad Thorn for Anthony Boric and Greg Somerville for John Afoa.

Richard Kahui has retained his place on the wing.

All Blacks: Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Greg Somerville, Brad Thorn, Ali Willliams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Rodney So'oialo, Jimmy Cowan, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Mils Muliaina

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava