Carter secures Tri-Nations return

Carter scored a record 33 points in the second Test against the Lions

Fly-half Dan Carter will return to the New Zealand side for their Tri-Nations opener in South Africa on Saturday.

Carter and centre Aaron Mauger both missed the final Test against the Lions with injury but start at Newlands, Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith making way.

Tana Umaga reverts to outside centre and a calf injury to Sitiveni Sivivatu sees Mils Muliaina switch to the wing with Leon MacDonald in at full-back.

Other changes see prop Carl Hayman and flanker Richie McCaw return up front.

"Greg Somerville has been playing very well but we believe Carl is the right choice for this match," said All Blacks head coach Graham Henry.

"There was definitely a lot of discussion among the coaching staff when it came to the three-quarters, the loose forwards and tight-head (prop). But we are satisfied with our decisions."

McCaw, who also missed the third Test against the Lions, replaces Sione Lauaki, with Rodney So'oialo reverting to number eight.

Carter suffered a shoulder injury during his inspirational display in the All Blacks' second Test victory over the Lions on 2 July, but has made a full recovery.

But centre Smith, who drops out of the 22, has been ill in recent days while scrum-half Byron Kelleher and loose-head prop Tony Woodcock are both suffering from a virus and have been put into quarantine.

"We expect them to be fully fit by Saturday," Henry added.

Wing Joe Rokocoko and scrum-half Piri Weepu come onto the bench following the axing of Doug Howlett and Justin Marshall's departure to Leeds.

---

New Zealand team: L MacDonald; R Gear, T Umaga (capt), A Mauger, M Muliaina; D Carter, B Kelleher; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, C Hayman, C Jack, A Williams, J Collins, R McCaw, R So'oialo.
Replacements: D Witcombe, G Somerville, J Ryan, M Holah, P Weepu, L McAlister, J Rokocoko.