Muliaina named at centre for Bledisloe clash

Mils Muliaina

CHRISTCHURCH - Mils Muliaina will fill the vexed centre berth for the All Blacks against Australia in the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup rugby match against Australia at Jade Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.

Muliaina becomes the sixth different player to wear the No 13 jersey in six consecutive New Zealand tests and the fourth this season.

The team is otherwise predictable and is close to the strongest available to the selectors.

Jason Eaton is the locking partner of Chris Jack, who will play his 50th test, while hooker Anton Oliver misses out on the 22. Keven Mealamu is the starting rake and Andrew Hore is on the reserve bench, with Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko on the wings.

All Blacks: Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Mils Muliaina, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko, Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Piri Weepu, Chris Masoe, Ali Williams, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore.

Australia: Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Mark Chisholm, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, Tai McIsaac, Greg Holmes. Reserves: Jeremy Paul, Al Baxter, Scott Fava, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ben Tune, Matt Giteau.

- NZPA