All Blacks: Five changes for Bledisloe test

Israel Dagg will play on the left wing on Saturday night. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made five changes to the starting team for Saturday night's Tri-Nations rugby test against Australia in Sydney.

Aaron Cruden will start at first five-eighth in place of Daniel Carter, who is recovering from ankle surgery, Israel Dagg replaces Joe Rokocoko on the left wing, Piri Weepu has won the halfback spot ahead of Jimmy Cowan, Victor Vito will replace Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker, and prop Owen Franks starts in place of brother Ben.

Cowan and Kaino have been named on the bench, as has uncapped Canterbury five-eighth Colin Slade, while Rene Ranger comes in as outside back cover and lock Anthony Boric takes the place of Sam Whitelock.

Henry said the All Blacks were expecting a strong challenge from the Wallabies, who would take confidence from their 41-39 win against South Africa in Bloemfontein last Sunday.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will lead the side for the 52nd test match, which moves him past Sean Fitzpatrick as the most capped test skipper in All Blacks history.

A win for the All Blacks would see them achieve a record 10 consecutive victories over Australia. They would also become the first team to win all six matches in a Tri-Nations series.

All Blacks XV:
15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Israel Dagg, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (capt) , 6. Victor Vito, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Rene Ranger.

- NZPA