All Blacks: Kahui and Williams paired in midfield

Richard Kahui and Sonny Bill Williams will control the midfield for the All Blacks in this weekend's test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Photo / Getty Images

Richard Kahui will pair with Sonny Bill Williams in the midfield for the first time when the All Blacks take on South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Hooker Keven Mealamu will captain the team for the second time in a test after last leading the All Blacks against Scotland in November 2008.

The starting XV includes first five-eighth Colin Slade, who is making his second run-on start in his fifth test, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson and Sam Whitelock.

John Afoa is also returning from his eye socket injury at tighthead prop.

The starting XV also features the return of a number of other recently-injured All Blacks to the test side for the first time in 2011, including Tony Woodcock, with the All blacks' most capped prop returning to the front row.

Richard Kahui will start at centre, pairing with Sonny Bill Williams in the midfield for the first time, while Isaia Toeava is on the right wing and Israel Dagg is at fullback.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the All Blacks had had a great build-up in Port Elizabeth and the team was feeling refreshed and raring to go.

"There is excitement across the board in the squad and every player will be looking to put in a big performance this weekend. Playing the Springboks at home is always a massive occasion and with Rugby World Cup spots also up for grabs, our players will be looking to put in a big performance.

"We know we will also be facing a wounded Springboks side who will want to bounce back from their three losses on the trot so we will have to be ready for a huge physical contest."

The All Blacks and Springboks have played each other 82 times, with 46 wins to the All Blacks, 33 to South Africa and three draws. The All Blacks have played the Springboks four times in Port Elizabeth, but have never won.

Starting XV:

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu - captain
3. John Afoa
4. Samuel Whitelock
5. Ali Williams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Adam Thomson
8. Liam Messam
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Colin Slade
11. Hosea Gear
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Richard Kahui
14. Isaia Toeava
15. Israel Dagg

Reserves:

16. Andrew Hore
17. Ben Franks
18. Jarrad Hoeata
19. Victor Vito
20. Andy Ellis
21. Piri Weepu
22. Cory Jane

- HERALD ONLINE