All Blacks: Williams cleared to play against Springboks

The All Blacks have not lost to South Africa at home since 1998. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Ali Williams has been cleared to play in Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

Experienced lock Williams was in doubt after suffering a sprained ankle in the second test against England but has been named to again partner Brad Thorn for his 50th test.

Coach Graham Henry said Williams had progressed well and would only need limited preparation to be ready for the test.

There are two changes in the forwards and two in the backs from the England game.

Centre Conrad Smith and fullback Mils Muliaina are restored in place of Richard Kahui and Leon MacDonald respectively.

Prop Tony Woodcock will make his first test start of the year after recovering from injury and comes in for Neemia Tialata.

Jerome Kaino is restored at No 8 with captain Rodney So'oialo shifting to the flanker in place of the injured Richie McCaw.

A reserve halfback is yet to be named, pending a misconduct hearing today involving halfback Jimmy Cowan.

All Blacks
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Greg Somerville
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Willliams
6. Adam Thomson
7. Rodney So'oialo (c)
8. Jerome Kaino
9. Andy Ellis
10. Dan Carter
11. Rudi Wulf
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Sitiveni Sivivatu
15. Mils Muliaina

Reserves:
16. Keven Mealamu
17. Neemia Tialata
18. Anthony Boric
19. Sione Lauaki
20. To be named
21. Stephen Donald
22. Leon MacDonald

- NZPA