All Blacks duo to equal record

Rugby: Richie McCaw amd Mils Muliaina will equal the All Blacks record for most international caps when they face Scotland this…

Rugby:Richie McCaw amd Mils Muliaina will equal the All Blacks record for most international caps when they face Scotland this weekend after being named in the starting line-up this morning.

Skipper McCaw and fullback Muliaina will represent New Zealand for the 92nd time at Murrayfield on Saturday, matching hooker Sean Fitzpatrick's record tally.

Coach Graham Henry has made four changes to the side that beat England 26-16 last weekend with a possible fifth if hooker Keven Mealamu's appeal against a four-week ban for butting Lewis Moody at Twickenham is unsuccessful.

Liam Messum replaces Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker, Jimmy Cowan returns in place of Alby Mathewson at scrumhalf, Isaia Toeava comes in for Joe Rokocoko on the right wing and Conrad Smith is back in the centre.

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Smith's return means a move to inside centre for former rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams with Ma'a Nonu relegated to the replacements' bench. Hooker Hikawera Elliot will win his first All Blacks cap if Mealamu's appeal fails.

McCaw and Muliaina will be keen to keep New Zealand's unbeaten record against Scotland intact as they match the achievement of former captain Fitzpatrick at Murrayfield.

"I couldn't think of two better people than Richie and Mils to beat my record," Fitzpatrick said. "They are outstanding All Blacks, good leaders of men and for me it's an honour to pass the baton on to those two."

"Richie is just leading by example, with the way he has captained the team this year, while Mils is a very, very special talent and very down to earth."

New Zealand:M Muliaina; I Toeava, C Smith, SB Williams, H Gear; D Carter, J Cowan; T Woodcock, H Elliot/K Mealamu, O Franks, B Thorn, S Whitelock, L Messam, R McCaw (capt), K Read. Replacements:A Hore, J Afoa, A Boric, D Braid, A Ellis, S Donald, M Nonu.