Henry rests key players against Boks

South Africa's dramatic decline has afforded New Zealand coach Graham Henry an opportunity to rest some key players and give his fringe players valuable game time when the All Blacks meet the Springboks in a Tri-Nations test at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

Former All Black captain Reuben Thorne

Henry made eight changes to the starting XV that will face the Boks - a clear indication that the threat posed by the Boks are not regarded as being serious.

It is obvious that the Boks' 49-0 hammering at the hands of Australia last Saturday played a role, with Henry using the chance to keep key players fresh for next weekend's crucial trans-Tasman match against the Wallabies in Brisbane. New Zealand beat Australia 32-12 in the opening match in Christchurch and the Brisbane encounter could be decisive in the final wash - not just in determining the destiny of the Tri-Nations trophy, but also the Bledisloe Cup.

Among those players being rested are in-form stars like flank Jerry Collins, hooker Keven Mealamu, prop Tony Woodcock, lock Jason Eaton, second five-eighth Aaron Mauger and scrum-half Byron Kelleher.

Former captain Reuben Thorne, who last played at the 2003 World Cup for his country, is one of the many fringe players getting a start. He comes in for Jerry Collins at blindside flank in one of four changes to the forward pack that beat Australia on July 8.

Others changes among the forwards see Anton Oliver for Mealamu at hooker, Neemia Tialata at loosehead prop for Woodcock and Ali Williams starting at lock in place of Eaton.

The backline changes see a return for Doug Howlett and Scott Hamilton in place of Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko on the wings. Sam Tuitupou comes into the No.12 channel in place of Mauger, while Piri Weepu starts at scrum-half in place of Kelleher.

There is also an opportunity for South African-born lock Greg Rawlinson to play against his compatriots. He is one of three additional changes to the replacement bench.

Henry named Rawlinson, Hore and Jimmy Cowan on the bench, allowing Mealamu, Eaton and Kelleher a complete break from the game. Hore was also on the bench against Australia, when Oliver missed out.

"The changes help to keep all of our players physically and mentally sharp," Henry said.  "We hope that can provide an edge for us against South Africa this weekend and for the Tri-Nations series as a whole."

Henry noted that the number of changes was more than the selectors had initially planned.

"We were encouraged by the way we played against Australia and we hope to maintain form while using more of the talent we have available in the squad."

Saturday night's Tri-Nations encounter with South Africa will be the 50th Test match played in Wellington.

New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Mils Muliaina, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Reuben Thorne, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 Greg Rawlinson, 19 Chris Masoe, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Joël Jutge (France)
Touch judges: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)
Assessor: Steve Hilditch (Ireland)