The All Blacks have finally been able to confirm their starting line-up for tomorrow's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup rugby test at Eden Park - three days after the squad was originally named.
Several injuries conspired to delay the naming but head coach Graham Henry today cleared up theconfusion at halfback and hooker by announcing Jimmy Cowan and Andrew Hore as members of the run-on side.
Cowan has overcome a knee injury to start for the first time this season while Piri Weepu, who was brought in as cover on Monday, will play off the bench for what will be his first test since falling out of favour during last year's Tri-Nations campaign.
Andy Ellis, who sustained injured ribs during the 19-34 loss to the Wallabies in Sydney last weekend, has dropped out of the squad.
Hore had been in doubt after bruising his hip when scoring the All Blacks second try against Australia at ANZ Stadium but is able to start. Keven Mealamu is back-up on the bench.
Adam Thomson has been named on the bench ahead of specialist openside Daniel Braid.
The All Blacks were forced to make the first change to their team yesterday, positioning centre Richard Kahui on the wing in a back three revamped after fullback Leon MacDonald was withdrawn after failing to overcome a head knock sustained against South Africa on July 12.
Regular fullback Mils Muliaina reverted to his usual position yesterday after initially being named on the right wing.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Anthony Tuitavake.
