18 Aug 2011

New look All Black 15 confirmed

6:53 pm on 18 August 2011

Just four players from the 15 who started in the All Blacks' win over Australia in Auckland will start in Sunday morning's Tri Nations rugby test against South Africa.

The only players who started at Eden Park are Keven Mealamu, who's captaining the side in the absence of Richie McCaw, lock Ali Williams, leftwing Hosea Gear and blindside flanker Jerome Kaino.

The starting 15 in Port Elizabeth includes four players returning from long injury breaks: Israel Dagg at fullback, Isaia Toeava on the rightwing, Richard Kahui at centre and Tony Woodcock at loosehead prop.

Kahui's outside Sonny Bill Williams with Colin Slade getting his second start at first-five and Jimmy Cowan at halfback for the last match before the World Cup squad is named in Brisbane on Tuesday

The other forwards are lock Sam Whitelock, number eight Liam Messam and openside flanker Adam Thomson.,

The reserves are: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata, Victor Vito , Andy Ellis, Piri Weepu and Cory Jane.