The All Blacks have made five changes to their starting team for the final Tri-Nations Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.
Aaron Cruden will start at flyhalf in place of Daniel Carter, who is recovering from ankle surgery.
Israel Dagg replaces Joe Rokocoko on the left wing, Piri Weepu will be the scrumhalf ahead of Jimmy Cowan, Victor Vito will replace Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker and prop Owen Franks starts in place of brother Ben.
Cowan and Kaino were named among the replacements along with uncapped Canterbury flyhalf Colin Slade.
Coach Graham Henry said the All Blacks were expecting a stiff challenge from the Wallabies, who would take confidence from their last-gasp 41-39 win against South Africa in Bloemfontein last weekend.
Richie McCaw will become the most-capped Test skipper in New Zealand rugby with his 52nd Test appearance this weekend to surpass previous record-holder Sean Fitzpatrick.
The All Blacks are chasing a record 10 consecutive victories over Australia and could also become the first team to sweep all six matches in a Tri-Nations southern hemisphere series.
New Zealand (15-1) - Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Israel Dagg; Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Victor Vito; Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn; Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Rene Ranger.
Source: AFP Global Edition
