Dagg, Kahui returns from injury for All Blacks

Outside backs Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui have returned from injury in a predictable All Blacks team that has just been named to play Australia in their Rugby World Cup semifinal in Auckland on Sunday.

Dagg has recovered from a leg problem to replace the injured Mils Muliaina at fullback while Kahui's hamstring cloud has cleared and he is on the left wing, pushing Sonny Bill Williams to the reserve bench.

There are three starting changes, all in the backline, from the side who beat Argentina 33-10 at the same Eden Park venue on Sunday.

The other change sees Aaron Cruden start at first five eighth in place of the injured Colin Slade.

Captain Richie McCaw is named to start at flanker despite battling an ongoing foot injury.

The most notable features of the reserve bench is the return to the All Blacks of first five eighth Stephen Donald and the inclusion of Andy Ellis ahead of veteran halfback Jimmy Cowan.

Victor Vito is the loose forward reserve due to injury to Adam Thomson.

The starting 15 for the All Blacks are:

Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams.
 
The Wallabies will name their team this afternoon.

The first semifinal of the Rugby World cup tomorrow at 8pm will see France meet Wales and at 8pm Sunday the All Blacks meet the Wallabies and the live commentary of both matches can be heard on our sister station, Viti FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.