Injuries have forced the All Blacks into making six changes to their starting side for their Rugby World Cup quarter final against Argentina on Sunday.
At fullback Mils Muliaina is set to play his 100th Test while midfielder Sonny Bill Williams moves to the wing as Zac Guildford, Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui have all been ruled out by injury.
As the team begins life without fly-half Dan Carter, now out of the tournament with serious groin injury, understudy Colin Slade has been confirmed as the immediate heir apparent in the crucial position.
“He’s getting better, he’s more comfortable in the group. He’s obviously the navigator of the team playing there, playing at 10,” coach Graham Henry said.
“So that’s a big ask when he’s playing with guys who have played 100 Test matches and 85 Test matches and so on and he’s playing his 10th.”
Experienced scrum-half Piri Weepu, who is also adept as a kicking number 10, will start behind the scrum but Henry indicated no final decision had been made on who would take shots at goal.
Other changes in the All Blacks backs see Cory Jane back on the wing and Ma’a Nonu returns at inside centre as Williams moves out two places.
In the forwards, Richie McCaw comes back on the flank despite an ongoing foot problem, Keven Mealamu returns at hooker and Brad Thorn replaces Ali Williams at lock.
Henry said McCaw was looking after his foot as best he can.
“It’s an ongoing thing, he just has to do what he can do during the week to perform on the weekend,” he said.
Muliaina, who made his All Blacks debut in 2003, becomes the second All Black to reach the century milestone, following captain McCaw’s 100th Test against France two weeks ago.
“I want to congratulate Mils on this outstanding achievement. He is a special man and has been a world-class All Black for many years,” coach Graham Henry said.
“The consummate professional really, as well as a very influential member of the All Blacks leadership group.”
Aaron Cruden, who was called into the All Blacks to replace Carter, has been named on the bench.
The All Blacks and Argentina have played each other 13 times with the All Blacks winning 12 and one drawn, but Henry is not taking them lightly, noting they went close to beating England in their opening game.
“They’re always a competitive side, a difficult team to play, very physical. Their pack drives well and scrums well, good at the breakdown so it will be a difficult game.”
New Zealand:
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Sonny Bill Williams, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (C), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Isaia Toeava.