Inexperienced Blake is recalled by Australia

Tri Nations TestAustralia have recalled inexperienced prop Rodney Blake for the Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.

The tighthead will earn his third Test cap in front of his home crowd in the only change to the Wallabies side that thumped South Africa 49-0 in Brisbane two weeks ago.

Hooker Tai McIsaac returns to the bench after recovering from a rib cartilage injury suffered during the 32-12 defeat by the All Blacks in the competition opener in Christchurch on July 8th.

"We were happy with the way we played against South Africa but it's important that we continue to improve and New Zealand pose a very big challenge for us," coach John Connolly said.

"They have incredible depth and had a convincing win over us in Christchurch followed by another impressive performance against South Africa.

"There's no doubt they are the benchmark in world rugby at the present time."

Connolly named a nine-man bench and will cut that down to seven after tomorrow's final training session.

Scrumhalf George Gregan will captain the side for the 55th time to equal the record of John Eales in what will be a world record 124th appearance for the Wallabies.

New Zealand announced their team on Tuesday, making seven changes to the side that beat South Africa 35-17 in Wellington last weekend.

AUSTRALIA: Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain); Scott Fava, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Rodney Blake, Jeremy Paul, Greg Holmes. Replacements: Tai McIsaac, Al Baxter, Guy Shepherdson, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Wycliff Palu, Sam Cordingley, Mat Rogers, Clyde Rathbone (two to be omitted from bench).