15 Oct 2011

Cruden starts with Kahui and Dagg back from injury

12:10 pm on 15 October 2011

The All Blacks have made three changes to their starting XV to face Australia in the World Cup semi-final at Eden Park on Sunday.

Aaron Cruden starts at first five eighths in place of the injured Colin Slade, Richard Kahui is the left winger and Israel Dagg the fullback.

Sonny Bill Williams moves to the reserves bench, joined by Stephen Donald and Andy Ellis - Jimmy Cowan and Isaia Toeava drop out of the 22.

There's also no room for recalled wing Hosea Gear.

New Zealand:

1. Tony Woodcock (81)

2. Keven Mealamu (90)

3. Owen Franks (29)

4. Samuel Whitelock (23)

5. Brad Thorn (57)

6. Jerome Kaino (46)

7. Richie McCaw - captain (101)

8. Kieran Read (34)

9. Piri Weepu (54)

10. Aaron Cruden (7)

11. Richard Kahui (15)

12. Ma'a Nonu (64)

13. Conrad Smith (53)

14. Cory Jane (29)

15. Israel Dagg (10)

Reserves:

16. Andrew Hore (60)

17. Ben Franks (14)

18. Ali Williams (71)

19. Victor Vito (12)

20. Andy Ellis (24)

21. Stephen Donald (22)

22. Sonny Bill Williams (12)

Number of Test caps in brackets