Captain Richie McCaw will lead the All Blacks in his 117th test on Sat

Andrew Hore retains the starting hooker’s role while Ryan Crotty is in line for a test debut off the bench in an All Blacks team high on experience but low on talking points.

Coach Steve Hansen’s team to face Australia in their Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship opener in Sydney on Saturday was unveiled with few surprises after Wellington pair Dane Coles and T J Perenara were released to play for their province yesterday.

Coles was told he was short of a gallop in his recovery from a calf strain, leaving veterans Hore and Keven Mealamu to contest the No 2 jersey.

Hore got the nod for his second test start of the year after the New Plymouth match against France in June, and his 77th test in all.

Despite star pivot Dan Carter being ruled out on Tuesday for three to four weeks due to a calf strain, Hansen’s lineup has 874 caps and an average age of 27.

The only uncapped player is Crusaders midfielder Crotty who was whistled into the squad as cover for the injured Francis Saili at the weekend.

When Carter was ruled out, opening the way for Aaron Cruden to make his 11th test run-on start, Crotty was left as the only midfield back cover.

Halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow and utility Beauden Barrett are the only other back reserves.

Captain Richie McCaw returns for his first test since December and will lead the All Blacks in his 117th test.

Prop Tony Woodcock will play his 99th test as he, Hore and Owen Franks get their first taste of the new scrum engagement laws.

In the backs, Manawatu pair Aaron Smith and Cruden are reunited while second five-eighth Ma’a Nonu was passed fit after an ankle injury suffered in the Wellington club semifinals last month. Nonu and Conrad Smith will play their 80th and 70th tests respectively.

The All Blacks fly out from Wellington this afternoon.

Much expectation will surround Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie’s team announcement later today in his first test in charge.

Injuries to Wycliff Palu and Kurtley Beale, the retirement of George Smith, axing of prop Benn Robinson and shift to wing of James O’Connor ensure the side will be different to the one that started the final test against the British and Irish Lions last month.

Prop James Slipper, lock Rob Simmons and flanker Liam Gill are among Reds players poised to be promoted to the starting side.

Recalled Quade Cooper is vying with uncapped Brumbies star Matt Toomua for the pivot’s spot.

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore and Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett and Ryan Crotty.

– © Fairfax NZ News