Nonu returns for All Blacks

The All Blacks have made three changes to their starting line-up for the Bledisloe Cup decider against the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday.

Ma'a Nonu returns for the injured Sonny Bill Williams, lock Sam Whitelock comes in off the bench for Luke Romano, while Victor Vito comes in for Jerome Kaino, who moves to the bench.

Joining Kaino on a slightly rejigged reserves bench is hooker Keven Mealamu and prop Wyatt Crockett, in for Codie Taylor and Ben Franks respectively, while Colin Slade comes in for Beauden Barrett in the only back reserves change.

The All Blacks will again be captained by Richie McCaw, who will break the world record for the most Tests this weekend in his 142nd match.

‘This game is one of the best challenges we could have,’ coach Steve Hansen said. ‘We pride ourselves on our performance and last week's wasn't good enough, so we have been working hard at all areas of our game. We know we have to be smarter, more accurate and bring more intensity right across the park.’

All Blacks – 15 Ben Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Victor Vito, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.

Photo: Anthony Au Yeung/Gallo Images

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