New Zealand selectors have made seven changes to the All Blacks team to play South Africa in the Tri-Nations at Christchurch on Saturday.
Coach Graham Henry made four changes to the back line and three to his forward pack from the starting side beaten by Australia in Melbourne on June 30th.
"Our goal is to improve on the first two Tri-Nations tests," Henry said.
"We can play better and these two home matches are our last chance to do so before the Rugby World Cup.
"We also want to see some players get more time on the field, so there have been changes to the line-up.
"The challenge is to make sure everyone in the squad is raising the standard."
Doug Howlett and Sitiveni Sivivatu replace Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko on the wings. Luke McAlister is moved from outside centre to inside centre to allow for the return of Isaia Toeava. And Piri Weepu replaces Byron Kelleher at outhalf.
Up front, lock Keith Robinson returns from injury for Troy Flavell, Reuben Thorne is named at blindside flanker ahead of Jerry Collins, and Keven Mealamu takes over the hooking role from Anton Oliver.
New Zealand lie second in the Tri-Nations table, with five points from two matches, but can grab the title if they win their last two matches, both at home.
South Africa are also on five points from three games and have a mathematical chance of winning.
Australia lead the table with nine points from three games. They play New Zealand in Auckland on July 21st in the final game of the tournament.
NEW ZEALAND(v South Africa, Christchurch, Saturday): Muliaina; Howlett, Toeava, McAlister, Sivivatu; Carter, Weepu; So'oialo, McCaw (capt), Thorne; Jack, Robinson; Hayman, Mealamu, Woodcock. Replacements: Hore, Tialata, Collins, Masoe, Leonard, Smith, Evans.
