06 July 2010 14:45
All Blacks go for experience against South Africa
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has selected the most experienced New Zealand side ever in the hope of securing a winning start in the opening Tri-Nations Test against South Africa on Saturday, which includes Ma'a Nonu in his first appearance for the ABs this year
Sports Editor
The All Blacks are desperate to get off to a strong start in Auckland in their attempt to wrest the Tri-Nations title back from the Springboks, who cleaned up 3-0 against New Zealand last year.
"There are a lot of young guys knocking on the door and they will get their opportunity in time, just like the guys who are taking the field have had to wait to get their opportunity," Henry told reporters after making four changes to the side named Tuesday.
"It's important to play the experienced players initially and let them prove they are good enough still to be there, and I'm sure they are."
The starting line-up is the most experienced in New Zealand Test history with a combined 671 appearances, 22 more than the 649 for the opening match of the 2007 World Cup against Italy in Marseille.
Captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina lead the individual count, with 83 Test caps each.
Inside centre Ma'a Nonu will make his first appearance for the All Blacks this year after returning from a knee injury which sidelined him in May.
Nonu replaces Benson Stanley, while outside him Conrad Smith takes over from Richard Kahui, who drops back to the reserves bench.
Henry said he was confident Nonu would be up to the task, despite the lack of recent top class play.
"He'll be a bit apprehensive, that's only natural," he said. "But once he gets on the bike in the heat of battle, he will be fine."
Veteran Joe Rokocoko returns to the backline ahead of the dropped Zac Guildford, and Henry was quick to defend the winger against suggestions in the media he was well past his best.
He argued Rokocoko had returned to good form in this year's Super 14 and had performed well in two Tests last month.
Prop Owen Franks returns in the place of Neemia Tialata after being among the reserves in the 22-10 second Test victory against Wales on June 26.
On the All Blacks bench, hooker Corey Flynn and loose forward Liam Messam return for the first time this year alongside prop Ben Franks and lock Sam Whitelock.
Halfback Piri Weepu and flyhalf Aaron Cruden join Kahui in providing cover for the backline.
South African coach Pieter de Villiers delayed naming his team from Tuesday to Thursday because of fitness worries over locks Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw.
Read more:
Tri-Nations fixtures
"Boks no longer in awe of All Blacks"