Winger Joe Rokocoko and scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan were ruled out Thursday of New Zealand’s team for Saturday’s second Tri-Nations Test against South Africa because of injury.

Rokocoko has a strained hamstring and was replaced by Rene Ranger, who will make his first start for the All Blacks. Cowan, who has an abdominal strain, was named among the reserves, with Piri Weepu handed a starting spot.

They were the only two changes made to the New Zealand lineup that started last weekend’s 32-12 win over the world champion in Auckland.

South Africa made two changes on to its team, with CJ van der Linde replacing injured prop Jannie du Plessis and Danie Rossouw coming in for suspended lock Bakkies Botha.

Ranger, who made his Test debut for New Zealand against Wales last month, usually plays as a centre for the Blues in the Super 14 tournament. The All Blacks coaches said they had confidence in his ability as a winger to cope with an expected barrage of high kicks.

Israel Dagg, who also debuted for the All Blacks last month, was added to the reserves to provide cover for the outside backs.

“We have stuck with the majority of players who played so well in last week’s win at Eden Park and they are ready for what will be another major contest,” New Zealand coach Graham Henry said. “The players know that they will face a different, more physical Springboks side.”

Utility back Richard Kahui had earlier been ruled out of the New Zealand team with a shoulder injury, and is due to see a specialist on Monday for further assessment.

“It’s hugely disappointing for Richard who has played extremely well for the All Blacks and contributed greatly to the team so far this year and he will be sorely missed,” Henry said. “We will await advice from the medical team on how long he will be out for.”

Teams

All Blacks:

15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Rene Ranger; 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu: 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1Tony Woodcock.

Substitutes: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.

Springboks:

15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Jean de Villiers,13 Jaque Fourie,12 Wynand Oliver, 11 Bryan Habana,10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp

Substitutes: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon

Coutesy of Sport24