All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw will miss this Saturday’s Test against Samoa as the result of a rib injury.
The influential openside picked up the injury in the win over South Africa in Cape Town but is expected to be fit for the Tri Nations decider against Australia on September 13.
McCaw has been replaced in the starting XV by Adam Thomson, with Rodney So’oialo captaining the side in his 50th Test.
Thomson’s inclusion is one of three changes to a starting XV also missing wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and lock Brad Thorn.
"We need to play together as a team before we go to Australia so we’re pleased to have the opportunity to play Samoa," said former Lions and now New Zealand coach Graham Henry.
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Richard Kahui
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma’a Nonu
11 Anthony Tuitavake
10 Dan Carter
9 Jimmy Cowan
1 Tony Woodcock
2 Andrew Hore
3 Greg Somerville
4 Anthony Boric
5 Ali Williams
6 Jerome Kaino
7 Adam Thomson
8 Rodney So’oialo (captain)
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu
17 Neemia Tialata
18 Sione Lauaki
19 Piri Weepu
20 Stephen Donald
21 Isaia Toeava
22 Rudi Wulf
