Rugby World Cup: Naholo in, Nonu out for All Blacks

Waisake Naholo takes in the sights of Cardiff before he completes his comeback from injury against Georgia on Saturday. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Waisake Naholo will take centre stage when he plays Georgia at the Millennium Stadium following the recovery of his broken leg, but a shoulder injury means Ma'a Nonu will have to wait a week before he has the chance to celebrate his 100th test for the All Blacks.

As expected, Naholo will start in the No. 14 jersey, but midfielder Nonu is a surprise absentee through injury.

The niggles picked up by Colin Slade (hamstring), Beauden Barrett (whiplash) and Liam Messam (calf) were always going to put them in doubt for what is likely to be a physical match against the Georgians on Saturday NZT, but there was no indication from the All Blacks this week that midfielder Nonu was in doubt.

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He has been replaced by Sonny Bill Williams, with Steve Hansen having to name two halfbacks - Tawera Kerr-Barlow and TJ Perenara - on the reserves bench. Slade and Barrett were injured in the 58-14 victory over Namibia at London's Olympic Stadium, with Messam a late withdrawal from that match. Perenara will be used as first-five cover for Dan Carter.

In other changes which could prove to be significant, Wyatt Crockett and Charlie Faumuina are the starting props ahead of veterans Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks.

Coach Steve Hansen has talked about selecting his best squad for this match as he seeks a cohesion he wants to take into the quarter-final, and that suggests there is big pressure on Woodcock and Franks to retain their starting places.

Crockett and Faumuina have been impressive at this tournament, with both offering scrummaging power and more besides.

"While it's disappointing to have Beauden, Colin, Ma'a and Liam unavailable for selection, their injuries are minor and they're all expected to be available for selection next week," Hansen said.

"This game gives us an opportunity to build on our previous performances against an opposition who have proven to be very physical in their two matches. Although we don't know a lot about them, we know enough. They're big, strong athletes and should contribute to what will be a great occasion at Millennium Stadium. I know everyone in our group is looking forward to it."

Naholo's return after breaking a leg in his test debut against Argentina in Christchurch in July is a testament to his hard work - which included a trip home to Fiji in order seek out traditional treatment - and the All Blacks' faith in a player who took Super Rugby by storm at the Highlanders this year.

There is genuine excitement among the team and coaches about what the powerful speedster can do and a good performance will almost certainly see him retain his spot for the final pool game against Tonga in Newcastle.

Hansen said: "We've selected what we think is the best 23 for this test match and reflects where we currently are with our progress in the Rugby World Cup.

"We're looking forward to seeing Waisake back on the track, he's been jumping out of his skin at training and I'm sure he can't wait for game day."

The match will be centre Conrad Smith's 90th test - he has started in 85. Lock Sam Whitelock, who will play his 69th test, will become the third most capped All Blacks lock of all time, behind Ian Jones (79) and Ali Williams (77).

All Blacks team to play Georgia at Millennium Stadium, kick-off 8am Saturday:

15. Ben Smith
14. Waisake Naholo
13. Conrad Smith
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Julian Savea
10. Dan Carter
9. Aaron Smith
8. Kieran Read
7. Richie McCaw (c)
6. Jerome Kaino
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Brodie Retallick
3. Charlie Faumuina
2. Dane Coles
1. Wyatt Crockett

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Malakai Fekitoa.