Rugby: All Blacks make changes

New Zealand have made seven changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland.

Despite hammering South Africa 40-7 last week, the All Blacks coaches have given their side a new look for first Bledisloe Cup clash of 2011 with four forwards playing their first Tests of the year.
Owen Franks replaces brother Ben at tighthead prop; Keven Mealamu is back at hooker; Brad Thorn is at lock alongside Ali Williams; and Kieran Read is at number eight.
In the backs, Piri Weepu has been picked at scrum-half, making his first Test start since last year's 23-22 victory in Sydney.
Hosea Gear returns from his recent hamstring injury to start his first Test of the year on the left wing, while Sitiveni Sivivatu is on the right wing.
Head coach Graham Henry said the All Blacks would be expecting a completely different level of intensity on Saturday compared to that posed by the Springboks last weekend.
"There is no doubt that the intensity levels will rise for this Test," he said.
"It's game one in a two-match Bledisloe Cup series involving the teams ranked number one and two in the world. It's a hugely important Test and is going to be a massive challenge, but we are looking forward to that."
All Blacks midfielders Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will set a new milestone this weekend - they will play their 29th Test together, becoming the most experienced midfield partnership in All Blacks history - while Daniel Carter will play his 82nd Test and joins the 'top five' list of most capped All Blacks ever, behind McCaw (96), Muliaina (96), Sean Fitzpatrick (92) and Mealamu (83).
Injured prop John Afoa (cheekbone) was unavailable for selection while several other All Blacks who have had recent injuries are continuing their return to rugby.
The All Blacks and Wallabies have played each other 140 times, with 95 wins to the All Blacks, 40 to Australia and five draws. The last Test between the two sides was in Hong Kong last October which Australia won 26-24.