KEY POINTS:
Injuries have resulted in three changes to the All Blacks starting 15 named today to play Samoa in a one-off rugby test in New Plymouth on Wednesday.
Captain Richie McCaw is rested because of a rib injury suffered during the 19-0 Tri-Nations win over South Africa in Cape Town two weeks ago.
He has been replaced on the openside flank by Adam Thomson while No 8 Rodney So'oialo inherits the captaincy in his 50th test.
The other players not returning from Cape Town are lock Brad Thorn (hamstring) and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (ankle).
Their respective places have been taken by Anthony Boric and Anthony Tuitavake.
Four backs have been named on the reserve bench.
All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Anthony Tuitavake, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Sione Lauaki, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf.
- NZPA
