Henry rings the changes

Tri-Nations: New Zealand coach Graham Henry named a full-strength side for Saturday's Tri-Nations encounter with Australia in Brisbane.

Henry reverted to the core of the line-up that thumped Australia 32-12 in the series opener in Christchurch at the start of July, making seven changes to the side that beat South Africa 35-17 in Wellington.

The only change from that opening side is at lock where Ali Williams takes over from Jason Eaton, who is demoted to the bench.

"Australia won by an impressive margin in their last Tri-Nations match," Henry said of the Wallabies' 49-0 rout of the Springboks two weeks ago. "They have a great record in Brisbane. It is a critical Test for the Tri-Nations series as well, so there's plenty to play for."

Henry said the match took on greater importance with Australia needing to win if they are to have a chance of lifting the Bledisloe Cup, which is contested by the two teams within the structure of the Tri-Nations tournament.

New Zealand: 15-Leon MacDonald, 14-Rico Gear, 13-Mils Muliaina, 12-Aaron Mauger, 11-Joe Rokocoko, 10-Daniel Carter, 9-Byron Kelleher; 8-Rodney So'oialo, 7-Richie McCaw (capt), 6-Jerry Collins, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Chris Jack, 3-Carl Hayman, 2-Keven Mealamu, 1-Tony  Woodcock. Replacements: 22-Isaia Toeava, 21-Luke McAlister, 20-Jimmy Cowan, 19-Chris Masoe, 18-Jason Eaton, 17-Greg Somerville, 16-Andrew Hore.