All Black Williams returns to face Tonga

All Black lock Ali Williams faces Tonga today in their Pool D clash at Suncorp Stadium after recovering from a fractured foot suffered in the build-up to the World Cup.

The 22-year-old was only given clearance to travel on the day New Zealand flew into Australia and spent the first 10 days of the tournament working on his fitness.

But head coach John Mitchell had always planned to play the Aucklander at some point during the pool stages and he will pack down alongside the increasingly impressive Brad Thorn.

Chris Jack starts from the bench – the first time all tournament New Zealand have had the luxury of including a lock amongst the replacements.

The other major selection decision for Mitchell was how to fill the outside centre slot with Tana Umaga sidelined.

Ma’a Nonu replaced the All Blacks vice-captain when he was injured in the first game against Italy and retained the spot in the victory over Canada.

But with concerns over Nonu’s defensive qualities, Mitchell has opted to switch full-back Leon MacDonald into the number 13 shirt.

New Zealand: Muliaina, Howlett, MacDonald, Carter, Ralph, Spencer, Marshall, Meeuws, Flynn, Somerville, Thorn, Williams, Thorne, Braid, So’oialo.

Replacements: Mealamu, Hewett, Jack, Holah, McCaw, Nonu, Atiga.

Tonga: Va’enuku, Fonua, Hufanga, Payne, Tui’fua, Hola, Martens, Pulu, Ma’asi, Lavaka, Latu, Vaki, I Afeaki, Fenukitau, Kivalu.

Replacements: Taukafa, Lea’aetoa, M. Ngauamo, S Afeaki, Palu, Tuipulotu, Leger.

Referee: Pablo Deluca (Argentina)