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Boric locks in for All Blacks

Tuesday 08th July 2008

Locked in: Anthony Boric has been asked to fill the large boots of the suspended Brad Thorn

The All Blacks have made two changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash against the Springboks at Carisbrook, introducing Anthony Boric and John Afoa to their dominant forward pack.

Due to fellow lock Brad Thorn's one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Springboks captain John Smit, Boric will make his first Test start after coming off the bench twice against England in the two-Test series in June.

He is expected to link up in the scrum with Ali Williams, who is still suffering the effects of an ankle injury but All Blacks management is confident he will be able to take the field.

Afoa has overcome a knee injury sustained in the opening Test of the year against Ireland and will start at tighthead prop, while Greg Somerville is left out of the matchday 22.

The only change to the bench sees Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill poised for a possible Test debut as he fills Boric's vacant reserves spot.

Otherwise, there are no further changes to the All Blacks side that was so impressive in dispatching South Africa 19-8 in Wellington last Saturday to open their Tri Nations campaign in style.

"We showed a lot of guts last week and we are very proud of that, but we want to improve technically," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.

"We expect the Springboks will lift their performance and we'll need to be better if we are to win."

Full-back Mils Muliaina is set to break a record at Carisbrook on Saturday and he will surpass Christian Cullen's mark of 45 Tests in the All Blacks' number fifteen jersey.

The All Blacks are basing themselves in Dunedin throughout the week, while South Africa have decided to stay in Wellington until Thursday to avoid the chilly southern climate.

The Springboks will name their side on the same day, with coach Peter de Villiers hinting there will be few changes apart from the replacement of John Smit, who has flown home to recuperate from a groin injury.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Rodney So'oialo (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Kevin O'Neill, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Leon MacDonald.

Date: Saturday, July 12
Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 (08:35 BST)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Assistants: James Leckie, Paul Marks
TMO: George Ayoub