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Aaron Cruden emerges from Dan Carter's shadow - Source: Photosport -
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The highly-telegraphed selection of Aaron Cruden, partnered by goal-kicker Piri Weepu, is the major talking point of the All Blacks team selected to play Australia in Sydney on Saturday night.
Other notable combinations see three fullbacks fill out the back three positions in the backline.
Wellington fullback Cory Jane has been used almost exclusively by Graham Henry on the wing to allow Mils Muliana to occupy the 15 shirt. Those two are joined by Hawke's Bay fullback Israel Dagg; who takes Joe Rokocoko's left wing sport.
The selectors have sent a clear counter-attacking message to the Wallabies that Australia will kick deep at their peril.
Cruden and Dagg's selections are two of five changes to the starting XV for the final Tri Nations test of the season.
Weepu replaces Jimmy Cowan at halfback with Cowan moving to the bench; prop Owen Franks starts in place of brother Ben; and Victor Vito gets a start at blindside flanker with Jerome Kaino moving to the bench. Meanwhile, in other reserve changes, Rene Ranger comes in as outside back cover and lock Anthony Boric takes the place of Sam Whitelock.
The bench also features debutant Colin Slade. The Canterbury five-eight could earn his first cap either as Cruden's replacement or further out in the backline where he has played for the Crusaders.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the All Blacks were expecting a very strong challenge from the Wallabies, who would take confidence from their win over the Springboks in Bloemfontein.
"The Wallabies will be up for a big game coming off the back of a good away win and playing in front of their home crowd in Sydney, so they will come out firing."
Meanwhile, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will lead the side for the 52nd time in Tests, which moves him past Sean Fitzpatrick as the most capped Test skipper in All Blacks history.
Henry paid tribute to his captain on his durability and excellence as well as his attitude which has seen him grow and develop as the team's leader.
"Richie is an outstanding leader and, in my opinion, one of the best players in world rugby and he also is an exemplary ambassador off the field, so we are very fortunate to have him out in front of this team every week."
In other individual milestones, Keven Mealamu is set to play in his 80th Test on Saturday.
A win for the All Blacks would see them achieve a record 10 consecutive victories over Australia, and a 15th consecutive victory for the current team, while also becoming the first team to win all six matches in a Tri Nations series. If the All Blacks score more than 18 points they will eclipse their own Investec Tri Nations scoring record for a single season of 179 points, which was set by the 2006 All Blacks. That would add to the record of 20 tries already achieved this season.
All Blacks team to play Australia this Saturday:
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Victor Vito, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock
Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Rene Ranger
