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All Blacks unchanged for Springboks

By Robert Lowe 12/08/2008 09:42:48 PM Comments (0)

The All Blacks have named an unchanged starting 15 for their Tri-Nations rugby match against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.

Skipper Richie McCaw will run out with the same line-up that began the comprehensive 39-10 defeat of Australia at Eden Park 10 days ago.

It will the first time this year that an unchanged starting 15 have taken the field in successive tests for the All Blacks.

There is just one change in the reserves, with utility Isaia Toeava coming in for Anthony Tuitavake.

Toeava, 22, gets his chance to play his first test of the year and the 16th of his career.

He was called up last week for the 26-man All Black tour party to South Africa to replace injured fullback Leon MacDonald, with coach Graham Henry citing his ability to cover fullback, second five-eighth, centre and wing.

Toeava last played for New Zealand in last year's World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France in Cardiff, coming on as a substitute.

After an in-and-out Super 14 with the Blues this year, he was left out when the All Black squad for the home tests and the Tri-Nations was initially announced.

He said his call-up as he was preparing to be part of Auckland's Ranfurly Shield defence against Taranaki last weekend was unexpected.

"I was pretty surprised really," he said.

"I was just happy to be in the team."

Having got another chance at test rugby, he said he wouldn't be out to prove a point if he got on the field.

"No, not really. I just want to go out there and do my job, do my role."

He admitted his confidence was down after the Super 14 and he "kind of slacked off a bit".

He went into the Air NZ Cup looking to "put my head down and work hard".

Toeava has played two tests in South Africa, in Pretoria in 2006 and in Durban last year, both of which the All Blacks won.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.

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