First-five Aaron Cruden has returned to the All Blacks starting XV for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash with South Africa in Wellington, after recovering from a chest injury.
Aaron Cruden, Sydney, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Cruden suffered the injury in New Zealand's 51-20 victory over Australia last month at Eden Park and coach Steve Hansen decided to rest the 25-year-old pivot for last week's clash against Argentina.
Cruden's absence allowed Beauden Barrett to make his maiden start at first-five in Napier where he impressed with his attacking instincts, tactical kicking and control of the match, though he had a poor night with his goalkicking, missing four shots.
Barrett has shifted to the bench with Colin Slade dropping out of the matchday 23.
Hansen was forced to make two other changes to his starting side with lock Sam Whitelock and loose forward Liam Messam ruled out earlier for at least a month after picking up injuries in Napier.
All Blacks and Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Wellington lock Jeremy Thrush, who came on for Whitelock last week, will make just his second test start on Saturday, while Steven Luatua will run-on at blindside after having provided cover for lock/loose forward from the bench in the first two clashes against Australia.
Steven Luatua scores against the Wallabies, Eden Park 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Auckland lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who has not been considered until this week due to an ankle injury, has recovered enough to move onto the bench.
Wellington wing Cory Jane has also come into the reserves in place of rookie centre Malakai Fekitoa to provide cover for the outside backs.
The All Blacks are the only unbeaten side in the Rugby Championship and Hansen believes the Springboks will be fired up after their last minute 24-23 loss to the Wallabies last week in Perth.
"This week we have to find a desperation and hunger in our performance because we know that that is something the South Africans will be bringing after their loss to Australia."
"As well they have already stated they have a desire to get a win against us."
"After two wonderful matches last year, I know our guys are really looking forward to this game."
"We have the utmost respect for South Africa and looking forward to Saturday."
Several players will reach personal milestones this weekend.
All Blacks prop Owen Franks will become the third most capped All Blacks prop of all time: he has played 60 Tests and is currently equal with Craig Dowd, with Greg Somerville second on 66 and Tony Woodcock out in front on 110 Tests.
Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu will equal the record for a midfield partnership this weekend when they play their 55th Test together.
Smith will also play his 80th Test this weekend, overtaking Ian Jones to become the 10th most capped All Black of all time.
Nonu, who will play his 94th Test this weekend, is the sixth most capped All Black.
New Zealand: 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-Steven Luatua, 5-Jeremy Thrush, 4-Brodie Retallick, 3-Owen Franks, 2-Dane Coles, 1-Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16-Keven Mealamu, 17-Joe Moody, 18-Ben Franks, 19-Patrick Tuipulotu, 20-Sam Cane, 21-TJ Perenara, 22-Beauden Barrett, 23-Cory Jane (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Sudipto Ganguly)
