Henry names strong side for Tokyo clash

Corey Jane will start on the right wing. Photo / Richard Robinson

Rodney So'oialo will start just his fourth test of 2009 after the All Blacks rugby selectors gave the veteran loose forward a reprieve in a largely unchanged side to face the Wallabies here on Saturday.

So'oialo usurped regular starting No 8 Kieran Read in one of three changes to coach Graham Henry's starting 15 who demolished the Wallabies 33-6 in Wellington on September 19.

The others were predictable returns from injury, with centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) replacing Isaia Toeava and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (groin) back for Joe Rokocoko.

Smith hasn't played a test since the 19-18 win in Sydney in August while Sivivatu missed the victory in Wellington.

The 60-test veteran So'oialo, who captained the All Blacks four times last year, has had his most inactive season in the black jersey since 2004.

Troubled by a neck/shoulder injury which forced him out of the June tests, So'oialo started the first three Tri-Nations tests but was then overtaken by Read whose lineout prowess saw him claim the No 8 jersey as his own for the All Blacks' three most recent internationals.

Henry said Read's lack of recent match play, when he missed the remainder of the Air NZ Cup, was a factor in the selection.

So'oialo came off the bench against the Wallabies in Sydney and Wellington.

Also in the pack, lock Tom Donnelly retained his spot ahead of the returning Anthony Boric after an impressive test debut in Wellington, while tighthead prop Neemia Tialata again kept out young challenger Owen Franks.

On the bench, recalled hooker Corey Flynn is in line for his sixth test, and first game in black since last November's tour match against Munster before his struggles with a broken arm.

The All Blacks have already wrapped up the Bledisloe Cup series 3-0 and are bidding for their seventh consecutive test win over their trans-Tasman rivals.

The side is:

1. Tony Woodcock (58 Tests)

2. Andrew Hore (43)

3. Neemia Tialata (37)

4. Brad Thorn (33)

5. Tom Donnelly (1)

6. Adam Thomson (12)

7. Richie McCaw – captain (76)

8. Rodney So'oialo (60)

9. Jimmy Cowan (28)

10. Dan Carter (62)

11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (39)

12. Ma'a Nonu (42)

13. Conrad Smith (25)

14. Cory Jane (7)

15. Mils Muliaina (77)

Reserves:

16. Corey Flynn (5)

17. John Afoa (20)

18. Jason Eaton (13)

19. Kieran Read (12)

20. Brendon Leonard (12)

21. Stephen Donald (16)

22. Tamati Ellison

- NZPA