ABs to rest front-line players

THE ALL Blacks have decided to rest nine players for their Tri Nations clash against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth next weekend.

They are captain Richie McCaw, prop Owen Franks, hooker Corey Flynn, lock Brad Thorn, No 8 Kieran Read, first five Dan Carter, centre Conrad Smith, fullback Mils Muliaina and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Jarrad Hoeata has been included in the 25-man squad, though he will have a scan on his injured shoulder today.

If he is ruled out, Otago lock Tom Donnelly will take his place on the trip.

The team will be captained by hooker Keven Mealamu.

Meanwhile, Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford will stay home an extra day to play for Hawke's Bay in their ITM Cup match against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua tomorrow, before travelling to South Africa on Sunday morning.

All Blacks
Forwards: John Afoa, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata *, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Samuel Whitelock, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock and Victor Vito
Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford, Richard Kahui, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu and Sonny Bill Williams