3 Oct 2013

McCaw returns for Rugby Championship finale

5:59 am on 3 October 2013

Richie McCaw returns to lead the All Blacks in this weekend's Rugby Championship decider against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

McCaw's recovery from a medial ligament injury is complete and he returns as the open side flanker in a loose forward trio alongside Kieran Read and Liam Messam.

Charlie Faumuina has been promoted to start at prop in place of the injured Owen Franks, and Ben Franks has been named on the bench.

Andrew Hore has been chosen ahead of Dane Coles as the starting hooker.

The backline is unchanged.

The starting fifteen from fullback is: 15-Israel Dagg, 14-Ben Smith, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Ma'a Nonu, 11-Julian Savea, 10-Aaron Cruden, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Kieran Read, 7-Richie McCaw (captain), 6-Liam Messam, 5-Sam Whitelock, 4-Brodie Retallick, 3-Charlie Faumuina, 2-Andrew Hore, 1-Tony Woodcock.