Donald, Nonu back for crunch match
08 September 2009 (07:50)
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| Maa Nonu © Gallo Images |
New Zealand will field a revamped midfield for their Tri-Nations crunch match against South Africa in Hamilton on Saturday, bringing in Stephen Donald and Ma'a Nonu for injured pair Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith.
Donald replaces McAlister at inside centre while Nonu, who has spent most of the season at inside centre, replaces Smith in a starting line-up otherwise unchanged from the All Blacks' 19-18 victory over Australia in Sydney last month.
Dan Carter, who swapped with Donald to train at inside centre last week, has retained his regular flyhalf position after kicking the All Blacks to victory over the Wallabies.
Loose forward Adam Thomson has been included in the reserves at the expense of Jason Eaton, while Isaia Toeava and Cory Jane come onto the bench for Nonu and Donald.
The Wallabies' 21-6 upset of the rampant Springboks on Saturday has breathed new life into the All Blacks' Tri-Nations campaign, and they have a chance of retaining the title if they beat South Africa and then Australia in Wellington a week later.
"Every test match between New Zealand and South Africa is a massive occasion but this weekend it's a winner takes all test which we are excited about," New Zealand coach John Henry said.
New Zealand: 15-Mils Muliaina, 14-Joe Rokocoko, 13-Ma'a Nonu 12-Stephen Donald, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10-Dan Carter, 9-Jimmy Cowan, 8-Kieran Read, 7-Richie McCaw (captain), 6-Jerome Kaino, 5-Isaac Ross, 4-Brad Thorn, 3-Owen Franks, 2-Andrew Hore, 1-Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16-Aled de Malmanche, 17-John Afoa, 18-Adam Thomson, 19-Rodney So'oialo, 20-Brendon Leonard, 21-Isaia Toeava, 22-Cory Jane
Read more on the Tri-Nations page.
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