McCaw Passed Fit for Semi-final

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has been passed fit for Sunday's World Cup semi-final against Australia.

The flanker, 30, has overcome a foot injury and has been named in an All Blacks team to which coach Graham Henry has made three changes.

Aaron Cruden will start at fly-half while full-back Israel Dagg returns after missing the quarter-final victory over Argentina.

Winger Richard Kahui replaces Sonny Bill Williams, who is on the bench.

Each of this weekend's four semi-finalists have a number seven in their side that strike fear deep into opposition hearts

New Bath signing Stephen Donald, who joined the squad earlier this week when fly-half Colin Slade was ruled out with a groin injury, is also named as a replacement.

McCaw missed the opening two months of the Super 15 tournament with the injury and has sat out two matches at the World Cup.

He had limited participation in training but played through the pain in the quarter-final win over Argentina.

"The team was very happy with the way they played in the quarter-final win over Argentina," Henry said.

"It was a really intense battle, and that is what we needed heading into this weekend's match.

"We have been building slowly this week to be ready for Sunday, when we know there will need to be a further lift in intensity and physicality.

"It's a semi-final in the Rugby World Cup, and the team is excited by the challenge that lies ahead."

Australia triumphed in the last meeting between the countries almost two months ago, while both previous World Cup contests also went the Wallabies' way in the 1991 and 2003 semi-finals.

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock

Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams

Sonny Bill Claims Blacks Yet to Peak

New Zealand have yet to hit top form at the World Cup, according to utility back Sonny Bill Williams.

The All Blacks cruised through their pool, including an impressive demolition of France, before subduing Argentina in the last eight.

"We haven't played our best footy yet," said Williams, who is fighting for a starting spot in Sunday's semi-final with Australia.

"We all want to be there and we all know the magnitude of the event."

Williams has played a prominent role in the All Blacks' campaign to date, starting two pool matches at centre, coming off the bench onto the wing in the other two, before starting the quarter-final on the wing.

"I've surprised myself how well I've played on the wing," said the 26-year-old, who was a second-rower in his rugby league days, which included five years in Australia with the Canterbury Bulldogs and an NRL grand final triumph in 2004 as an 18-year-old.

"Some people didn't think I could play rugby [union], I showed them that I can. I'm always a confident player and if I'm put out there [on the wing] I'll do the job as best I can, just do the little things and it all comes good.

"I'm doing all the little things right, I'm ticking all the boxes during the week and staying in the now, not looking back at the past or what's happened."

Williams, who won seven caps for New Zealand in rugby league before switching codes, admits the World Cup was the reason he left the Bulldogs for French Top 14 club Toulon in 2008, before returning to New Zealand last year.

"There is nothing better than this stage," he added. "It's pretty much the whole reason why I came back here, to test myself against the best players, to try and make this team, this squad."

With Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith the proven centre combination, Williams is battling with fit-again Richard Kahui and Cory Jane for one of the wing spots.

With Mils Muliaina ruled out of the rest of the tournament by injury, Israel Dagg is likely to reclaim the number 15 shirt after missing the win over Argentina.

Weepu Kicks All Blacks into Last Four

The deadly accuracy of Piri Weepu's boot helped steer New Zealand to a 33-10 quarter-final victory over Argentina.

The scrum-half landed 21 points for the All Blacks, while Kieran Read and Brad Thorn scored tries late on - but a gritty and determined display from the Pumas ensured that the hosts didn't have things all their own way.

Argentina briefly held the lead in the first half, while fly-half Colin Slade limped off as the home nerves jangled at Eden Park.

However, with Weepu pulling the strings and Argentina hamstrung by the sin-binning of Nicolas Vergallo, New Zealand were able to secure a semi-final showdown with Australia.

Argentina gave everything, with Julio Farias Cabello scoring their only try while Felipe Contepomi added a conversion and Martin Rodriguez slotted over a penalty.

Santiago Fernandez had their best opportunity to open the scoring during a frantic start, but the Pumas fly-half saw his drop-goal effort dip under the bar.

And it was Weepu that saw the All Blacks into the lead with a well-struck penalty after 12 minutes.

Stunned

The All Blacks were denied the opening try of the match when the TMO ruled Read's foot was in touch before he grounded the ball, with Fernandez putting in the crucial tackle.

Weepu doubled his tally with a second penalty, though, while New Zealand got a let-off as Felipe Contepomi dragged his effort wide.

However the Pumas stunned the tournament favourites when Cabello drove over in the corner. Superb running from Leonardo Senatore and then Rodriguez set the platform for Cabello to pick up and dive over for his first international try. Contepomi converted.

New Zealand moved back into the lead with Weepu again having no problem landing the penalty, while the scrum-half made it 12-7 just before the break

That lead was down to just two points five minutes after the break after a thumping long-range penalty from Rodriguez.

New Zealand's response was immediate as Weepu again kept his composure to land a penalty.

And the Pumas challenge was dealt a major blow when Vergallo was sin-binned for deliberately killing the ball as the All Blacks cranked up the pressure. Weepu's penalty made it 18-10.

The All Blacks finally put the game beyond doubt with 13 minutes left when Read dived over, with Rodriguez so close to intercepting Jerome Kaino's pass.

Weepu might have blotted his copybook with the conversion attempt, but his seventh successful kick of the day saw New Zealand move 16 points clear.

The score was given an unfair look to it when Thorn ran in unopposed following a superb offload from Cory Jane. Aaron Cruden added the extras.

Colin Slade Gets Henry's Support

Knockout rugby is exactly that, and every team playing in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals is aware of the consequences, perhaps none more so than Argentina, who must face New Zealand at Eden Park on Sunday.

While the Pumas know playing the All Blacks in front of a home crowd will be tough, wing Horacio Agulla is excited by the prospect.

"It's a big challenge for us playing against the best team in the world,” he said. "It's going to be a massive game and a dream to play in New Zealand at the World Cup against New Zealand.”

With memories of exiting the tournament at this stage four years ago, the All Blacks are also keenly aware of what is at stake and for assistant coach Steve Hansen, no Test match this season has come close in terms of importance.

"It'll be the biggest Test of the year,” he said. “Because it's the next one and if we don't win it we go home." 

Coach Graham Henry has put his faith in Colin Slade following Daniel Carter’s exit from the tournament through injury, naming the young fly half in his starting side, one of six changes made to the New Zealand side that beat Canada in Wellington a week ago. 

“It's a big ask for him, but I think he's getting more comfortable,” Henry said. “I think he'll play well."

"If you walk in the company of people who believe in you, you can achieve anything,” assistant coach Wayne Smith added."He's got all the tools to make a go of it and he's got the belief and encouragement from the squad."

Mils Muliaina will play his 100th Test in an All Blacks jersey at full back while Keven Mealamu, Brad Thorn, Richie McCaw and Piri Weepu replace Andrew Hore, Ali Williams, Victor Vito and Jimmy Cowan, who all move to the bench. 

Ma'a Nonu and Cory Jane replace Zac Guildford (hamstring) and Israel Dagg (thigh haematoma), while Aaron Cruden, who was called into the All Blacks squad this week following Carter’s exit, is on the bench.

After a few impressive displays on the wing coming off the bench during the pool stages, Sonny Bill Williams will start out wide for the first time at Eden Park on Sunday. Despite his inexperience in the position, coach Henry believes his new wing shouldn’t be underestimated under the high ball.

"He hasn't dropped one yet as far as I know and he's had a few,” he said. "He catches them and everybody starts to wonder what he's going to do next, so maybe they won't kick it to him. He might embarrass them." 

Argentina have made just four changes to their side that beat Georgia last week with Rodrigo Roncero, Manuel Carizza, Gonzalo Camacho and Martín Rodríguez returning to the starting XV at the expense of Marcos Ayerza, Mariano Galarza, Juan José Imhoff and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.

Pumas' captain Felipe Contepomi has the Argentina points record in sight, needing to score just five to overtake Hugo Porta's total of 590 international points in his career. Contepomi can also break Argentina's Rugby World Cup record for points scored if he manages 13 points against the All Blacks.

The two sides last met five years ago in Buenos Aires, with New Zealand winning 25-19. Despite the lack of recent experience against the Pumas, the All Blacks are confident they know what to expect, particularly up front.

"They're tough physically,” assistant coach Wayne Smith said. “They take a lot of pride from their pack. They've got a very good defensive system. They don't over-commit there, they've always got players on their feet available. 

"They're going to be a physical test, they're going to be a tactical test, because they're very smart." 

But while much is made of Argentina’s powerful play in the forwards, the New Zealand backs are also preparing to be challenged in the air.

"There'll be a fair bit of kicking,” wing Cory Jane said. “They like to put up a few bombs so we've got to make sure that us wingers or full backs have got to be on the job.

“They like the grind out, putting our position under pressure." For the Pumas, grinding out the game will be the key to defeating New Zealand.

"Being patient is the trick,” wing Gonzalo Camacho said. “We have to play the 80 minutes and see what happens. 

"We have to respect our system and play our best in attack and be in control of our defence." 

"You cannot give them 10 minutes, otherwise they can score five tries over you," added Agulla. "We have to be smart and play with our heart and lots of passion. 

"We have to be 100 per cent focused. We have to trust in ourselves and each other."

Dan Carter Out of Rugby World Cup

New Zealand have been rocked by the news that playmaker Dan Carter will miss the rest of the Rugby World Cup through injury.

The influential stand-off suffered a torn adductor muscle during the All Blacks' training session ahead of their final Pool A game against Canada on Sunday.

Carter had been named as captain for the match after Richie McCaw was forced to skip the game due to a niggling foot problem. Hooker Andrew Hore will now wear the armband.

"It has been confirmed he has a significant groin injury," reported team doctor Deb Robinson. "He has torn the left adductor longus tendon completely.

"He will see a specialist early next week to determine the next course of treatment for him, with surgery a possibility."

Stand-in Colin Slade will take Carter's place at number 10 for the match against the Canadians with Manawatu's Aaron Cruden called up to the squad as cover.

"It's devastating for Daniel," New Zealand coach Graham Henry said. "This was going to be his pinnacle and it's devastating for him. This was his scene, this World Cup in New Zealand, and it was going to be his big occasion.

"We're all feeling for Daniel because he's been an integral part of the side for such a long time. He's not going to burst onto the finals and that's very sad.

"He's a key All Black, not only as as the person who navigates the side on the field but also off the field.

"I feel very sad for him but he is the type of guy who will handle this. He has strength of character... and I feel huge sympathy for him."

Dan Carter Out of Canada Clash

Dan Carter will miss New Zealand's final pool match against Canada on Sunday with a groin injury.

Carter was withdrawn from the side after pulling up during kicking practice in final training on Saturday.

The All Blacks will release a further injury bulletin on Sunday amid fears his participation in the rest of the World Cup may be in doubt.

Carter was due to lead the side against Canada after captain Richie McCaw also withdrew with a "niggly" foot problem.

Colin Slade will now start at number 10, with hooker Andrew Hore to captain the All Blacks for the first time. Andy Ellis comes onto the replacements bench.

"Carter will be further assessed this evening [Saturday] and an update will be given tomorrow," said an All Blacks statement. "No further updates will be given at this time."

McCaw's place in the side, meanwhile, will be taken by Victor Vito.

"It's a bit frustrating," said the flanker. "I was pretty keen to play, it was important for me and the team. I got through training on Friday fine but I woke up a bit sore."

McCaw underwent pre-season surgery in February to insert a small screw into a bone in his foot that had a stress fracture and missed the first six weeks of the Super 15 season.

After his comeback, the flanker was then sidelined in late May after suffering from recurring pain in his foot.

All Black Century for Richie McCaw

Captain Richie McCaw will become the first All Black to earn 100 Test caps when he returns for their pivotal pool clash with France on Saturday.

Fly-half Dan Carter is also back as coach Graham Henry picks his strongest side.

But there is no place for Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg getting the nod at full-back.

Piri Weepu starts at scrum-half and Sonny Bill Williams is left on the bench.

Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith remain the preferred centre pairing, with Cory Jane and Richard Kahui on the wings.

With Kieran Read still sidelined with an ankle injury, but hoping to be fit for the All Blacks' final pool match with Canada, Adam Thomson moves from open-side to number eight.

McCaw had been expected to win his 100th cap against Japan last Friday but withdrew with a calf strain.

However he took a full part in training earlier this week and will boost the All Blacks ahead of a match likely to determine the winner of Pool A.

"He's a special player, a special man and inspirational to the country," coach Henry said of the 30-year-old.

"Not only inspirational to this rugby team but an inspiration to New Zealanders. He's a world class player, he's brave and he's highly intelligent.

"He's the most experienced captain this country has ever had. The one prior to that was Sean Fitzpatrick and he was the same and got better and better as he got older."

On the decision to leave out Muliaina two matches short of his 100th cap Henry said: "Our job is to make sure we do the best every week we can, and hopefully (Muliaina's century) fits into that big picture. No doubt we'd want that to happen if at all possible, but the team comes first and the first guy to say that's the right way would be Mils because he's that sort of person."

France coach Marc Lievremont named scrum-half Morgan Parra at fly-half as one of five changes, but denied claims he had deliberately selected a weakened side to avoid meeting South Africa or Australia in the knockout phase.

Lievremont has been unhappy with his team's performances in the tournament to date despite taking the maximum 10 points on offer, and has made five changes in all from the side that beat Canada 46-19 on Sunday.

The most significant sees Parra, who kicked 23 points against the Canucks, making his first start at fly-half, in his 32nd Test.

"This is one of the biggest tests of my career, It's a big challenge," said Parra, who has a total of just 35 minutes in the number 10 shirt.

"Carter is the best in the world. I will try and match him, try and stand up to him."

With both countries winning their opening two games, the winner of Saturday's clash is likely to meet the runner-up in Pool B - featuring England, Scotland and Argentina - in the quarter-finals.

"For us it is a great honour to play this match, which is not like any other," Lievremont added. "I hope that my players will bring to it all the passion they have and that they will make us pround of them.

"The summit of it all would be to play the All Blacks again later in the World Cup final at Eden Park."

New Zealand team: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Adam Thomson. Replacements:Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.

France team: Damien Traille, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Maxime Medard, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili; Jean-Baptiste Poux, Dimitri Szarzewski, Luc Ducalcon, Pascal Pape, Lionel Nallet, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Julien Bonnaire, Louis Picamoles.Replacements: William Servat, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Imanol Harinordoquy, Francois Trinh-Duc, Fabrice Estebanez, Cedric Heymans.

PREVIOUS RWC MEETINGS

1987: NZ 29-9 France (final)

1999: France 43-31 NZ (S/F)

2007: France 20-18 NZ (Q/F)