4 Aug 2010

One change to All Blacks starting XV for Bledisloe II

6:36 pm on 4 August 2010

There's one injury enforced change to the All Blacks starting lineup for this weekend's Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia, in Christchurch.

Piri Weepu replaces Jimmy Cowan at halfback, with Cowan out with a rib injury, in the only change to the starting XV which beat the Wallabies in Melbourne at the weekend.

With Weepu starting, the uncapped Auckland halfback Alby Mathewson comes into the reserves while Benson Stanley replaces Israel Dagg on the bench.

The match will be Ma's Nonu's 50th test while Tony Woodcock will become the most capped All Black prop, playing his 67th test.

The full team is:

Richie McCaw, captain, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Daniel Carter, Josevata Rokocoko, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Samuel Whitelock, Victor Vito, Alby Mathewson, Aaron Cruden, Benson Stanley.