Full-back Mils Muliaina and scrum-half Byron Kelleher have been recalled to the New Zealand team for the second Test against the Lions on Saturday. Coach Graham Henry made three changes, bringing in Muliaina for Leon MacDonald, Kelleher for Justin Marshall and Rico Gear in place of Doug Howlett.
"There is nothing separating our top players in some positions," said Henry.
"The changes acknowledge the great form of some All Blacks who missed out on selection last week."
Gear scored 15 tries in this year's Super 12 and had been expected to start at some time during the series, given Howlett's dip in form.
But Henry hinted that his selection was part of a grand plan for the All Blacks' future domination.
"Going forward, the team needs to have more than one player ready for international rugby at every position.
"It is part of our strategy to develop and maintain that depth."
Captain Tana Umaga will lead the side in his hometown of Wellington after weathering controversy over a tackle that ended Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll's tour.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Rico Gear, Tana Umaga (captain), Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Derren Witcombe, Greg Somerville, Jono Gibbes, Sione Lauaki, Justin Marshall, Ma'a Nonu, Leon MacDonald.
MMIX
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