Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina are both out of tomorrow’s test against Japan.

Both players have been ruled out of the All Blacks’ second game of the World Cup because of injury, while Israel Dagg has also picked up an injury, following a training session at St Peter’s College in Cambridge late yesterday afternoon.

The players were ruled out after being further assessed by All Blacks medical staff this morning. The All Blacks will now be captained by hooker Keven Mealamu, it is the third time Mealamu will captain his country.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said McCaw, who was due to play his 100th test against Japan, had suffered a minor calf strain in his left leg, Muliaina had a tight right hamstring and Dagg had a right abdominal strain.

“It was a bad day at the office as far as injuries are concerned but the good news is that all the injuries are not serious,” Robinson said.

“There would be risk of further injury to these players if we let them play so we have withdrawn them. We will now concentrate on their rehabilitation with the aim of getting them ready to resume training next week to prepare for the France test.”

The injuries have led to a major reshuffle of the starting XV and the reserves bench.

Isaia Toeava will now start at fullback, Adam Thomson will shift to openside flanker and Victor Vito comes off the bench to start at number eight. Lock Anthony Boric comes onto the bench to replace Vito.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: “It’s disappointing to have the players unavailable, especially Richie and Mils who were both looking forward to playing against Japan.

But injuries are something that we all have to deal with and it’s great that we have versatility in the squad so Isaia is able to slot in at fullback.”

The team had already been hit by the withdrawal of first five Dan Carter after it was named with Colin Slade taking over.

The revised All Blacks team to play Japan is now as follows:

Team: Isaia Toeava, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Victor Vito, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Sonny Bill Williams.