Brad Thorn is poised for an emotional farewell to the ground which featured so prominently in his illustrious career when the All Blacks meet the Wallabies in Saturday's Tri Nations rugby series decider.

Thorn appears certain to be recalled by coach Graham Henry on Thursday in a near-full strength New Zealand team for the Suncorp Stadium showdown.

The 36-year-old dual international was among several key players excused the long trip to South Africa for last weekend's loss to the Springboks, with all likely to return after their rest.

Thorn will surely be playing his last match on the ground where he served rugby league's Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Origin team and Kangaroos with distinction.

With the World Cup kicking off just 13 days later, Henry is expected to roll out close to his optimum line-up for the trans-Tasman rivals final hit-out before a potential rematch for the Webb Ellis Trophy at Eden Park on October 23.

It can be assumed captain Richie McCaw and Kieran Read will be back to form two-thirds of the loose forward combination but Adam Thomson is set to fill the blindside flanker role after usual choice Jerome Kaino was given a weekend off following the South Africa trip.

Leading prop Owen Franks had to sit and watch the re-arranged All Blacks scrum shunted by their Springbok counterparts and should be back to shore up a front row with Tony Woodcock, continuing his comeback from a long-term foot injury.

Sam Whitelock shapes as Thorn's possible locking partner ahead of Ali Williams, though neither demanded retention last weekend.

Settling on their outside backs for the World Cup was the biggest dilemma faced by Henry and his co-selectors, and it will be interesting to see who occupies the wing berths on Saturday against Digby Ioane and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Zac Guildford, the only specialist wing in the 30-man Cup squad, is keen to justify his selection ahead of Sitiveni Sivivatu and Hosea Gear and that opportunity could arrive as soon as Saturday night.

Cory Jane appears to have a lock on the other flank.

Israel Dagg's impressive comeback from a thigh injury provides a welcome headache for Henry but could eventually cause discomfort for veteran fullback Mils Muliaina who, like McCaw, will earn his 98th cap.

Dagg's return to fitness adds an element of intrigue to the back reserves where he is contesting the utility role with Isaia Toeava, and also exerts pressure on Sonny Bill Williams, who will make way for Ma'a Nonu at inside centre in the starting team.

Nonu and Conrad Smith will re-form their midfield partnership outside Daniel Carter, another automatic recall.

Halfback is the other area of conjecture and indications are Piri Weepu will start for the first time since the Bledisloe Cup was retained at Eden Park on August 6.

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