New Zealand have made two changes ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in Melbourne, with Jimmy Cowan and Joe Rokocoko both promoted to the starting line-up.

Cowan will wear the number nine jersey ahead of an unlucky Piri Weepu, who was among the All Blacks' best against South Africa in Wellington.

Rokocoko has been rushed straight back into the run-on side at the expense of Rene Ranger after overcoming a hamstring injury.

The in-form Weepu, who became a father for the first time on Sunday, will start on the bench while Ranger will play no part in the match despite scoring a try in his run-on debut against the Springboks.

"We will need all our experience up against what is a very good Wallabies side," said coach Graham Henry.

"We have had a good start to the Tri-Nations with the two wins over South Africa but there is no room for complacency."

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.

Date: Saturday, July 31
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 20.00 (10.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert

planetrugby.com

27/07/2010