All Blacks: Four changes for Tri Nations opener

BACK IN BLACK: Ma'a Nonu is one of four changes to the All Blacks for the weekend's Tri Nations test against the world champion Springboks. Photo / Getty Images

Ma'a Nonu is recalled for his first All Blacks outing of the season after the selectors made four changes for Saturday's opening Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa in Auckland.

Second five-eighth Nonu is one of three changes to the backline from the starting side who beat Wales 29-10 in Hamilton on June 26, while Owen Franks is restored at tighthead prop in place of Neemia Tialata.

Returning on the left wing is 62-test veteran Joe Rokocoko for the dropped Zac Guildford, while Nonu comes in for Benson Stanley to line up alongside long-time midfield partner Conrad Smith, who has recovered from an eye injury that sidelined him at Hamilton. Richard Kahui makes way at centre.

The Eden Park test will be a major challenge for 46-test veteran Nonu, who has played just 70 minutes of club rugby since injuring his knee in the Hurricanes' final Super 14 match of the season against the Waratahs in Sydney on May 14.

There are also four changes on the New Zealand bench. Hooker Corey Flynn comes in for Aled de Malmanche, prop Ben Franks for his older brother Owen, Liam Messam for the dropped Adam Thomson and Kahui for outside back cover Rene Ranger.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said his side were relishing the scale of Saturday's challenge.

"The Springboks are the defending Tri-Nations champions and, like us, will be keen to kick off their campaign on a winning note," he said.

"However, our squad has prepared well and the players are excited by the first up challenge this weekend. It's going to be a massive kick off to the competition."

ALL BLACKS:
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt.), Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

RESERVES:

Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Samuel Whitelock, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui.

- NZPA