Kiwis at full strength for Ireland clash

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named his side to face Ireland in the 2010 Guinness Series at the Aviva Stadium.

Rising star Sonny Bill Williams drops to the bench having impressed in the wins over England and Scotland in previous weeks. The former rugby league player will provide a powerful option for the All Blacks from the bench.

Mils Muliaina in named at full-back and is flanked by the Wellington Hurricanes duo of Cory Jane and Hosea Gear.

Ma’a Nonu returns to the side to partner Conrad Smith at centre while Dan Carter is joined by Canterbury team-mate Andrew Ellis at half-back.

The inexperienced Hikawera Elliot comes in at hooker for the suspended Kevin Mealamu. Veteran lock Brad Thorn, another ex-rugby league player, is joined in the engine room by Tom Donnelly.

Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Reid resume their backrow partnership.

Muliaina and McCaw are both set to become the most capped All Blacks of all time after equalling Sean Fitzpatricks’s record of 93 caps against Scotland next weekend.

New Zealand (v Ireland): Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear; Dan Carter, Andrew Ellis; Tony Woodcock, Hikawera Elliot, Owen Franks; Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read

Subs: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Liam Messam, Alby Mathewson, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams