RUGBY/Tri-Nations: New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made eight changes from the All Blacks side which beat Australia in the starting XV for the Tri-Nations game against South Africa in Wellington on Saturday.

Former captain Reuben Thorne returns to the side at flanker, replacing Jerry Collins. Leon MacDonald, Mils Muliaina and Dan Carter are the only backs to keep their place, while prop Neemia Tialata and hooker Anton Oliver are called up. Doug Howlett, Sam Tuitupou and Scott Hamilton are also recalled. Henry said: "The changes help to keep all of our players physically and mentally sharp. We hope that can provide an edge for us against South Africa."

NEW ZEALAND: MacDonald; Howlett, Muliaina, Tuitupou, Hamilton; Carter, Weepu; Tialata, Oliver, Hayman, Jack, Williams, Thorne, McCaw (captain), So'oialo. Replacements: Hore, Somerville, Rawlinson, Masoe, Cowan, McAlister, Toeava.