Nonu to fill Umaga's shoes

Ma’a Nonu was today named as replacement for injured centre Tana Umaga in a New Zealand side featuring nine personnel changes for Friday’s World Cup clash against Canada.

The 21-year-old shone against the Italians after being introduced when Umaga went down with posterior cruciate damage in his left knee.

All Blacks management expect to know more about Umaga’s future at the World Cup tomorrow, when the swelling on his left knee has subsided further.

Nonu made his Test debut alongside Umaga in New Zealand’s first match of the season against England in June, but had to wait until last Saturday for his second appearance.

He will start against the Canadians in a centre partnership with Daniel Carter, who assumes the kicking duties after fly-half Carlos Spencer missed three of his four attempts against the Italians.

In Umaga’s absence, Spencer has been awarded the vice-captaincy and is one of only six players Mitchell has retained in the starting XV.

“We believe we are going to need all 30 players in this World Cup,” said Mitchell.

“You can see with the example of Tana’s injury. By giving all our squad a chance in this match, we are preparing everyone going forward.

“There is that opportunity to push for momentum but we believe we will gain more by involving our whole squad.”

Mils Muliaina moves from fullback to the wing, where he began his top class rugby career, allowing Leon MacDonald his first All Blacks start of the year, while Australia-born Steve Devine will start at scrum-half.

Mitchell has rotated his entire front row, with props Carl Hoeft and Kees Meeuws to start either side of hooker Mark Hammett.

Rodney So’oialo comes into number eight and Marty Holah starts on the open-side, with Ritchie McCaw relegated to the bench.

Involved in his first Test match, hooker Corey Flynn will start from the bench.