All Blacks: Recalled players need game time - Henry

Graham Henry and the All Blacks selectors will likely rest players during the rest of the Tri Nations. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks coach Graham Henry says game time before the World Cup is a factor behind some of the changes to his team for the Tri-Nations rugby test against Australia here on Saturday.

Seven changes were made to the side who swept aside an under-strength South Africa 40-7 last weekend, with five of them set to make their first test appearances of the year in prop Owen Franks, hooker Keven Mealamu, lock Brad Thorn, No 8 Kieran Read and wing Hosea Gear.

The other changes see Piri Weepu gain his first start of the season at halfback, with Sitiveni Sivivatu playing on the right wing.

Henry said some of the team had not had much chance to push for inclusion for the World Cup squad.

"We've got to keep an eye to the future, so the idea is to try to give everybody an opportunity to be selected for the rugby World Cup and be given an opportunity to show their ability,'' he said.

"I don't want to name the side in two or three weeks time and players haven't had that opportunity so we're trying to do that as well as play well every week.''

Henry said he expected a bold effort from the players coming back either from injury or from a rest at the end of the arduous Super campaign.

"I think the guys who have had a wee bit of time out of the camp has been good for them. They needed to, otherwise they were going to die, they would be no good to anybody,'' he said.

"They're experienced rugby players, so I think they're going to come back and add to what we're doing.''

The decision to play Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith in the midfield means they will be paired together in the black jersey for the 29th time, the most experienced midfield partnership in All Blacks history.

It means Sonny Bill Williams is yet to get a start this season, but Henry said he would before the Tri-Nations finished.

"Conrad and Ma'a haven't played a lot of footy, particularly Conrad, and Sonny Bill's had a big Super 15 and done a bit of boxing.

"It's good to give him a bit of space, so he'll get an opportunity to start shortly.''

Henry said the All Blacks expected a completely different level of intensity on Saturday compared to that posed by the Springboks last weekend.

"It's game one in a two-match Bledisloe Cup series involving the teams ranked number one and two in the world. It's a hugely important test and is going to be a massive challenge, but we are looking forward to that,'' he said.

"Our ability to play the game correctly is going to be very important.''

The All Blacks and Wallabies have played each other 140 times, with 95 wins to the All Blacks, 40 to Australia and five draws. The last test between the two sides was in Hong Kong last October which Australia won 26-24.

Injured prop John Afoa (cheekbone) was unavailable for selection while several other All Blacks who have had recent injuries are continuing their return to rugby.

A medical check yesterday showed Afoa did not need surgery, but no date has been set for his return.

Prop Tony Woodcock turned out for North Harbour against Manawatu on Tuesday, fullback Israel Dagg hopes to play for his Napier Pirates club side on Saturday, while Isaia Toeava will be available for Auckland's match against North Harbour on Sunday.

Outside back Ben Smith, who was providing injury cover for the All Blacks squad, has returned to his Otago national provincial championship side.

- NZPA