All Blacks welcome return of key players

The All Blacks have welcomed the return of captain Richie McCaw and number eight Rodney So'oialo.

The duo have come through their first full training runs with the side in Auckland and are set to bolster the pack in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations opener against the Wallabies at Eden Park.

Tighthead prop Neemia Tialata says there was an extra buzz in the team's first run of the week.

"It definitely makes a difference when you have your two most experienced players back and we can take some confidence from that".

The Wallabies side will be named today with the All Blacks delayed until tomorrow at 8.00am.

Both Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald will have another run at first five today.

- NEWSTALK ZB