All Black coach Graham Henry has named a team that shows four changes for their opening match of the Tri-Nations series, against South Africa in Wellington on Saturday.

Among the forwards the changes - from the team that played against Fiji last week - have Samuel Whitelock returning to the second row, replacing last week's Test debutant Jarrad Hoeata, who moves to the bench, while Jerome Kaino is back in his regular starting position at blindside flank, with Adam Thomson moving to No.8, and Liam Messam to the bench.

In the backs Daniel Carter returns to the No.10 jersey, while Cory Jane has recovered from his finger injury and is on the right wing, with Zac Guildford moving to the left wing.

The key change on the bench is the selection of midfielder Sonny Bill Williams - replacing Ben Smith in the No.22 jersey – who looks set to make his first Test appearance at home.

Henry, despite admitting that the Springboks would be hurting after last week's loss to Australia and would come out firing, felt he has a winning recipe.

"They [South Africa] are a proud nation and won't want a repeat performance so we will have to be ready for that challenge," Henry said.

"However, we have had a good build-up this week and have picked a team we know that will be up for that challenge," he added.

Players returning from injury, but not considered for selection, include Richard Kahui (hamstring), Tony Woodcock (foot), Isaia Toeava (hip), Hosea Gear (hamstring) and Israel Dagg (thigh muscle).

Toeava will be available for Auckland's NPC match against Taranaki in New Plymouth on Sunday, while Woodcock will also return to rugby next week - available for North Harbour's match against Manawatu in Palmerston North next Tuesday.

The All Blacks and Springboks have played each other 81 times, with 45 wins to the All Blacks, 33 to South Africa and three draws.

The last Test was last year's thriller at the National Stadium in Soweto, which the All Blacks won 29–22.

As well as Tri-Nations points, the Freedom Cup, the trophy contested by the two teams since 2004, will again be up for grabs.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.

Date: Saturday, July 30
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Stuart Dickinson (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
TMO: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)