Thorn set to make Kiwi debut

Brad Thorn will make his first Test start in New Zealand’s Tri-Nations clash with South Africa on Saturday in a line-up that features five changes from that which thumped Australia 10 days ago.

After racking up 50 points in successive wins over the Springboks and Australia, Mitchell has left his devastating back-line intact but revamped the pack to give significant game-time to the squad players.

Thorn switched from rugby league in 2001 and, playing for Super 12 champions the Crusaders, made a swift rise into Mitchell’s first All Black touring squad.

But he controversially turned down the invitation, claiming he was not fully committed to a future in rugby and it would not be right to wear the jersey under such circumstances.

After a year out he returned to the Crusaders, this time accepted a call-up into the New Zealand squad and has been named on the bench for each international this year, appearing in the last four.

The former Brisbane Bronco will partner Ali Williams with Chris Jack included on the bench while Mitchell has once again rotated his front row, naming Carl Hoeft, Mark Hammett and Kees Meeuws in the starting XV.

Marty Holah will start at openside flanker in place of Richie McCaw, leaving number eight Jerry Collins, captain Reuben Thorne and Williams as the only forwards retained from the 50-21 triumph at Stadium Australia.

While the starting backs remain unchanged, Mitchell has called fullback Leon McDonald, who has not played a Test since last August’s Test against the Springboks, and scrum-half Byron Kelleher onto the bench.

New Zealand top the Tri-Nations table after successive victories and a sixth consecutive win over South Africa in Dunedin will see the All Blacks retain the title.

New Zealand team to face South Africa on Saturday is: M Muliaina; D Howlett, T Umaga, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, J Marshall; C Hoeft, M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, A Williams, R Thorne (captain), M Holah, J Collins.

Replacements: K Mealamu, D Hewett, C Jack, R So’oialo, B Kelleher, D Carter, L MacDonald.