All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have announced the team to play Australia in Sydney on Saturday July 26 at ANZ Stadium:

Richie McCaw

Reserves:

16. Keven Mealamu
17. John Afoa
18. Anthony Boric
19. Sione Lauaki
20. Jimmy Cowan
21. Stephen Donald
22. Conrad Smith

There are five changes to the starting team that played South Africa in Dunedin.  Lock Brad Thorn returns from suspension, prop Greg Somerville takes over at tighthead from John Afoa and either Daniel Braid or Richie McCaw will start at flanker.  A decision on McCaw’s availability will be made later in the week.

In the backs, centre Richard Kahui and wing Anthony Tuitavake have earned starts:  “All of the players involved have performed well when given a chance, and we think this combination gives us the best chance to win this week,” said All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

The All Blacks will take only 24 players to Australia with a flanker (either Daniel Braid or Adam Thomson) and wing Rudi Wulf to travel with the 22-man match squad.

First five-eighth Dan Carter is set to play his 50th Test in Sydney.

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