Williams back from injury
2008-07-02 10:49
Wellington - All Blacks lock Ali Williams recovered from an ankle injury to be named on Tuesday in the team to face South Africa in the opening Tri-Nations series Test at the weekend.
In all there are four changes to the starting lineup that beat England 44-12 in the second Test in Christchurch on June 21.
Conrad Smith has been restored to outside centre in place of Richard Kahui, while Mils Muliaina takes over at fullback from Leon MacDonald and Tony Woodcock replaces Neemia Tialata as prop.
Rodney So'oialo has been named as captain and number seven, replacing the injured Richie McCaw, allowing Jerome Kaino to return at number eight.
"Rodney's job, and I think he's thought it through, is to lead by example," coach Graham Henry told a press conference.
Williams was expected to start the match despite missing some training sessions after injuring his ankle in the second Test against England, Henry said.
Disciplinary hearing
"Ali is an experienced player and the limited preparation shouldn't be an issue," Henry said. "We just need to get his ankle right first."
A reserve scrumhalf was not initially named pending a disciplinary hearing later on Tuesday for Jimmy Cowan, who was arrested early on Sunday outside a bar in the South Island city of Invercargill.
It was Cowan's third charge in three months for disorderly conduct at a bar.
But after the hearing, he was confirmed on the reserve bench, although he has been ordered to stop drinking and to receive counselling if he wants to keep his New Zealand contract.
Henry said the All Blacks will need to improve if they are to beat the World champions on Saturday.
"South Africa has a very strong team right now and we have a huge challenge in front of us," he said.
South Africa are scheduled to name their team on Thursday.
All Blacks:
Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Adam Thomson, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald.