KEY POINTS:
Jerry Collins will lead an All Black team loaded with talking points in their second World Cup group match against Portugal on Saturday.
For starters, Conrad Smith, injured in training last week and with dark clouds hovering over the seriousness of his hamstring strain, is named at centre.
The assumption is that his injury is not as bad as feared, although perhaps the intention was always to name him, and now see how he comes through the next three days training.
Then there's Isaia Toeava listed to start on the right wing. He is a versatile footballer but has primarily been viewed as a midfield contender. But the most intriguing aspect is the composition of the reserves.
Not only are both first choice props, Tony Woodcock and Carl Hayman, parking their backsides on the bench, but so are two hookers, Anton Oliver and Keven Mealamu.
According to the way the reserves are listed, Mealamu is covering as loose forward substitute, with Anton Oliver the backup hooker to Andrew Hore.
If Mealamu gets game time anywhere other than hooker, it will follow a line begun against Italy last weekend, when Sione Lauaki, whose career has been spent as loose forward or No 8, came on in the second half at lock.
It appears all part of a plan to ensure players aren't spending their time being inactive. It wouldn't happen against, say, South Africa or Australia, but Portugal are one of the cup teams a few polite liberties can be taken.
Just four players are backing up from having started the Italian game - locks Ali Williams and Chris Jack, who is over a bang on the shoulder suffered on Monday - Collins, and Mils Muliaina. He was at centre against Italy but reverts to fullback for the Portugese.
All Blacks to play Portugal, Lyon, 11pm Saturday
Backs:
Mils Muliaina, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko, Nick Evans, Brendon Leonard
Forwards:
Sione Lauaki, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata
Reserves:
Anton Oliver, Tony Woodcock, Carl Hayman, Rodney So'oialo, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Ellis, Leon MacDonald.
