Big guns all return for New Zealand

New Zealand have recalled their major stars for this weekend's Test match with Ireland as they look to stay on track for a grand slam of victories on their European tour.

Coach Graham Henry has made 11 changes from the side that cast Scotland aside 32-6 in their tour opener on Saturday, highlighted by the returns of captain Richie McCaw and their key playmaker Dan Carter at fly-half.

Carter will resume his partnership with scrum-half Jimmy Cowan who also returns in place of Piri Weepu.

Further changes to the backline mean that winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, centre Conrad Smith and full-back Mils Muliaina will also start at Croke Park.

Joe Rokocoko is one of the few players to retain his place, after he made his first start since the World Cup against the Scots following a long injury lay-off, and is set to play his 50th Test match.

In the forwards only Ali Williams and Keven Mealamu keep their places.

The match will be the second of the Kiwis' four-match tour, with the game McCaw's 31st as captain to lift him into second place in the All Blacks' all-time list.

New Zealand team to face Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday, 15 November at 5:15pm: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo; Jimmy Cowan, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina.

Substitutes: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.