Rugby: New Zealand recall Carter for clash with South Africa

NEW Zealand coach Graham Henry has recalled fly-half Dan Carter for the All Blacks' first Tri-Nations clash against an injury ravaged South Africa in Wellington tomorrow.

Carter, rested for the warm-up test against Fiji last week, replaces Colin Slade in one of four changes to the line-up. Carter has only to score two points against the Springboks to surpass England's Jonny Wilkinson (1,195) as the highest points scorer in tests.

Cory Jane comes into the right wing after recovering from a finger injury, shifting Zac Guildford to the left wing, while lock Sam Whitelock returns to the second row in place of Jarrad Hoeata, who debuted in the All Blacks' 60-14 demolition of Fiji.

Jerome Kaino returns to blindside flanker, demoting Liam Messam to the bench, with Adam Thomson shifted to No 8.

Inside centre Sonny Bill Williams is poised to make his test debut for the Tri-Nations champions on home soil after replacing Ben Smith on the bench.

Henry said the Springboks would be keen to hit back after their 39-20 loss to Australia in the Tri-Nations opener in Sydney last week and would come out firing. "They're a proud rugby nation and won't want a repeat performance, so we'll have to be ready for that challenge," Henry said. "But we have had a good build-up this week and have picked a team we know that will be up for that challenge."

New Zealand won all of their Tri-Nations matches last year to snatch the title from world champions South Africa who spluttered to five losses from six matches. The Tri-Nations has been reduced to six matches this year from the usual nine due to the World Cup starting in September.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Janes, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Adam Thomson. Subs: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Jarrad Hoeata, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.