Muliaina determined to make 99th Test special

New Zealand full back Mils Muliaina will hope to prove to selectors he has at least two more Tests in him after being recalled to the starting line-up for his 99th cap, against Canada on Sunday.

In a final tune-up before the quarter finals, coach Graham Henry made seven changes to the team that beat France 37-17.

Number 8 Kieran Read, wing Zac Guildford and Muliaina will make their first starts at Rugby World Cup 2011 in the final Pool A match, at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Muliaina said being out of the team for a few weeks had reminded him of how much he valued pulling on the All Blacks jersey.

"Every time you go out there it's special because you just don't know when it's going to be your last," he said.

"I've just got to go out there now and make sure that I get another week and another week after that. But first I've just got to make sure I do this week right and make it special."

Starting scrum half Jimmy Cowan will win his 50th cap and has another chance to impress in his three-way battle with fellow scrum halves Piri Weepu and Andy Ellis.

Another chance

Read returns from an ankle injury and Guildford gets another chance after a late-night drinking session prior to the World Cup led to him being disciplined by team management and entering a "self-improvement" programme.

"Obviously it was a bit of a hard time but what got me through it was knowing that if I worked hard I'd get an opportunity at some stage and I've got that now," Guildford said.

Henry said the way Guildford had responded to the situation showed he deserved his chance at redemption.

"I think he’s handled it particularly well. He’s fronted it, he’s been strong, he hasn’t avoided the issue and he’s been outstanding in the group."

The match will also mark the 100th Test in charge of the All Blacks for Henry and his assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.

“It’s a privilege really to be involved in the most successful sporting team in the history of sport over 110 years," Henry said.

“And to do that 100 times is also special, but probably a sign of madness as well.

“I think it’s a reflection on what the management team and the leaders in the team have done over those eight years to keep me in a job.”