Thorn gets All Blacks start

Thorn has only been used as a replacement until now

Rugby league convert Brad Thorn will make his first start for New Zealand as one of five changes for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash with South Africa in Dunedin.

Thorn, who has appeared as a replacement four times, replaces Chris Jack at lock as coach John Mitchell surveys his forward combinations ahead of the World Cup.

The experienced trio of Kees Meeuws, Carl Hoeft and Mark Hammett take over the front row positions from Greg Somerville, Dave Hewett and Keven Mealamu.

The other change from the starting line-up which thrashed Australia 50-21 in Sydney two weeks ago sees Marty Holah replace Ritchie McCaw on the openside flank.

Thorn, an Australian rugby league international who had a successful career with the Brisbane Broncos, qualifies for New Zealand by virtue of being born in Mosgiel, near Dunedin.

He was first chosen for the All Blacks in 2001, but pulled out of a European tour because he was uncertain about his future in the 15-man code.

MacDonald returns

Having returned to the squad this season after a succesful season with Canterbury Crusaders, Thorn has been used as an impact replacement until now.

Injury-prone full-back Leon MacDonald is also set to return to Test rugby for the first time in a year after being named among the replacements.

MacDonald had three serious concussions last season and incurred a further head injury in May's Super 12 final.

Springboks defend reputation

He was selected for for Tests earlier this year against England and Wales but had to withdraw because of the effects of his most-recent injury.

Also making a return on the bench is Otago scrum-half Byron Kelleher, with Steve Devine dropping out of the 22.

New Zealand won the return fixture 52-16 in Pretoria, and will start strong favourites to inflict another heavy defeat on the struggling Springboks.

---

New Zealand team:
Mils Muliaina; Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko; Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall; Carl Hoeft, Mark Hammett, Kees Meeuws, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Reuben Thorne (capt), Marty Holah, Jerry Collins.
Replacements: Leon MacDonald, Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Chris Jack, Dave Hewett, Keven Mealamu.