Collins makes All Blacks return

Hard-hitting number eight Jerry Collins returned to the New Zealand starting line-up today as All Blacks coach John Mitchell named his strongest available side to face Wales on Sunday.

Collins has played only once in the World Cup so far, in the opening victory against Italy, but returns to the side along with wing sensation Joe Rokocoko and inside centre Aaron Mauger, who will make his first appearance of the tournament.

Utility man Leon MacDonald retains the outside-centre role in place of injured Tana Umaga after an impressive performance against Tonga in Brisbane last week.

“It’s a proven combination with the exception of Leon, but he has showed his versatility on many occasions,” said coach John Mitchell.

“We have gone for this mix on this occasion.

“We are going into a contest this weekend that is going to be far more difficult than the sides we have played to date.

“Wales will certainly be a far more attacking threat.”

The enduring image of the last meeting between the two teams, in Hamilton last June, was of Collins’ crunching hit on his Welsh opposite number Colin Charvis.

Collins, a council binman when not playing rugby, left Charvis prostrate and the Wales skipper was stretchered out of the game, which New Zealand won 55-3.

He would not be drawn on ‘that tackle’, or the win over Wales, other than to admit “I probably haven’t done myself any favours”.

He said: “I’m only here for the World Cup. That stuff’s gone. You only have to look at Samoa – people forget everyone is here to represent their country. Wales are here to win, like us.”

Collins expects a tough battle with the Welsh back row, led by Charvis and that will probably include Dafydd Jones and Martyn Williams.

“They have got a big back row. Colin has been around for a long time and you don’t play as many Tests as he does by chance,” said Collins, who will join forces with Ritchie McCaw and captain Reuben Thorne.

“Their six and seven are big men and they work pretty well as a threesome. We are under no illusions what to expect.”

Mauger arrived in Australia with a groin injury and had only just recovered from that when he suffered a blow to the knee that returned him to the sidelines.

Rated as one of New Zealand’s most influential backs, Mauger slots in for Daniel Carter and will face up against Wales’ star man Iestyn Harris.

All Blacks coaching co-ordinator Robbie Deans, who was full of praise for the Welshmen, insisted the relegation of Carter to the bench was by no means a reflection on his recent performances.

“If Aaron hadn’t had the injury he would have had some gametime before now,” said Deans.

“Daniel has played superbly. The fact that Aaron is starting this game is nothing against Daniel’s performances.

“In many ways it is timely because DC has carried a big load and it is good for him to get a window.”

Rokocoko embarked on his season-long try-scoring feast against Wales, scoring twice en route to breaking the record for most tries in calendar year.

He currently sits on 13 from just eight Test matches, but was forced to sit out New Zealand’s last two Pool games after suffering a hamstring injury on his way to the line.

The 20-year-old will form a a tried and tested back three with Mils Muliaina at full-back and Doug Howlett on the opposite wing.

New Zealand team to face Wales in Sydney on Sunday:

M Muliaina; D Howlett, L MacDonald, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, J Marshall; D Hewett, K Mealamu, G Somerville, B Thorn, A Williams, R Thorne (captain), R McCaw, J Collins.

Replacements: M Hammett, K Meeuws, R So’oialo, M Holah, B Kelleher, D Carter, M Nonu.