Muliaina misses out as All Blacks name team

New Zealand's veteran full back Mils Muliaina has been omitted from the All Blacks team to play Tonga at Eden Park on Friday.

The 31-year-old has been left stranded on 98 Test caps after failing to make the match 22 announced by coach Graham Henry on Wednesday.

In naming Israel Dagg to start at full back, Henry acknowledged his "remarkable" return from a serious leg injury was sufficient to oust an out-of-sorts Muliaina.

"He's having a bit of a flat patch at the moment," Henry admitted.

"But he will respond to the situation and the competition."

With a total of nine changes made to the Tri Nations side that lost to Australia in Brisbane, another surprise selection came in the form of Sonny Bill Williams being named at inside centre, with Ma'a Nonu shifting to outside centre.

Coach Henry said the team reflected the overall plan of the All Blacks selectors to maintain the core of the first XV while giving every player in the squad an opportunity to impress.

"The reason for the selection was to give Sonny a chance and we don't know what will happen later in the tournament, who is going to be standing and who is not," he said.
"So we have to give players an opportunity to play."

Other players given that opportunity for the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2011 include Isaia Toeava and Richard Kahui, who will join Dagg in a new-look back three.

Brad Thorn is now poised to become the oldest All Black to play a RWC match after being named in the second row with Ali Williams.