Umaga rested for Wales match

Is Henry taking hosts too lightly?

In one of nine changes to the XV that took to the field last week in Italy, All Blacks coach Graham Henry has opted to rest regular captain Tana Umaga for the Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Henry has also named two new caps in the side to face the Welsh.

Casey Lualala starts at outside centre alongside his Canterbury team-mate Aaron Mauger, whilst highly-rated young halfback Piri Weepu start at scrum-half ahead of the combative Byron Kelleher, who drops down to the bench.

Winger Doug Howlett makes a return to the starting XV, replacing Rico Gear, after missing out on the All Blacks' win over Italy last weekend.

Henry has also opted for a wholly changed unit in the forwards. Only lock Chris Jack and Richie McCaw, who becomes the 60th man to captain New Zealand in the absence of Umaga, retaining their places in the starting line-up.

The changes see Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams, Greg Somerville, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock all returning to the starting team, while veterans Anton Oliver and Carl Hayman drop down to the bench as cover.

Also making his return to the squad is former skipper Reuben Thorne who has been named on the bench for Saturday's match.

Regarding Umaga's absence, Henry said: We couldn't play T in every Test ... we have a huge respect for Richie McCaw as captain. He played outstanding rugby in the NPC and he led Canterbury very well.

[The midfield] is probably the strongest part of our game at the moment. We have a lot of depth. Conrad Smith and Casey Laulala both had great seasons in the Air New Zealand NPC."

Henry added the coaches were happy they have achieved what they set out to do prior to leaving New Zealand, which was to have two strong sides to play Italy and Wales.

Henry told Umaga what the situation was for this weekend when they were delayed at the airport in Rome. Although Umaga knew the news was coming he told allblacks.com it still took time to absorb.

I was a bit stunned actually, said Umaga.

I was told that I wouldn't be playing every game but nothing gets you ready for the news that you're not playing. It took me the plane trip to get over it and adjusted to my new role as head of the DDs.

We're a good team with a great culture and we lack nothing with the changes and I support them as much as I can thats what I'm here for.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina (Blues), 14 Doug Howlett (Blues), 13 Casey Laulala (Crusaders), 12 Aaron Mauger (Crusaders), 11 Joe Rokocoko (Blues), 10 Daniel Carter (Crusaders), 9 Piri Weepu (Hurricanes), 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Richie McCaw (Crusaders, captain), 6 Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes), 5 Ali Williams (Blues), 4 Chris Jack (Crusaders), 3 Greg Somerville (Crusaders), 2 Keven Mealamu (Blues), 1 Tony Woodcock (Blues).
Replacements: 16 Anton Oliver (Highlanders), 17 Carl Hayman (Highlanders), 18 Reuben Thorne (Crusaders), 19 Marty Holah (Chiefs), 20 Byron Kelleher (Chiefs), 21 Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes), 22 Rico Gear (Blues).

Kick-off: 18.00 GMT