11 Nov 2010

All Black selectors decide against multiple changes

6:43 pm on 11 November 2010

The All Black selectors have opted not to make numerous changes for the test against Scotland, as they've done on previous grand slam tours.

In an indication the Scots are viewed as a greater threat than in the past, there's just two changes to the forward pack which beat England and one of those is forced through the suspension of Kevan Mealamu.

Hika Elliott's has been named to make his test debut at hooker with Mealamu bracketed, subject to an appeal of his four week ban for headbutting.

Andrew Hore's been named in the reserves while Liam Messam replaces Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker.

In the backs Jimmy Cowan replaces Alby Matthewson at halfback, Sonny Bill Williams moves from centre to second-five in place of Ma'a Nonu who drops to the reserves.

Conrad Smith returns to centre and Isaia Toeava starts on the right wing in place of Joe Rokocoko.