The All Blacks side to take on Tonga this weekend has been announced, with midfielder Ma'a Nonu to play his 100th test match.
Nonu made his All Black debut in 2003, has scored 29 tries and is the most capped All Blacks second five-eighth.
All Blacks head coach, Steve Hansen says "On behalf of the All Blacks, we would like to congratulate Ma'a on this special milestone. He has been an incredibly valued member of our group for a very long time. He has been fully committed to enhancing the All Blacks jersey and the values that go with it. He plays a special part within the group and loves this team. He and his family will be very proud of everything he's achieved, as we all are of him. We look forward to celebrating his achievement on Friday night."
Skipper Richie McCaw (sore hip) and prop Charlie Faumuina (tight hamstring) weren't considered for selection. In McCaw's absence, the side will be captained by number eight Kieran Read. Loose forward Liam Messam will also make his first appearance at the Rugby World Cup off the bench.
The match, is set to kick off on Saturday October 10 (NZDT) at 8am.
The starting line-up is as followed:
Tony Woodcock
2. Dane Coles
3. Owen Franks
4. Luke Romano
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Read - captain
9. Aaron Smith
10. Daniel Carter
11. Waisake Naholo
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
15. Ben Smith
