The countdown is on for the first Bledisloe Cup clash this Saturday, and Graham Henry has rung the changes from the side that lost to the Springboks two weeks ago.

The biggest news is that Richie McCaw has ruled himself out of the match - he's not quite 100%, and feels the All Blacks need to be at full strength to take on the Wallabies. This means that Daniel Braid will make his return to the All Blacks after an almost five year absence - his last Test was at the 2003 World Cup against Tonga.

Brad Thorn is also a welcomed return after serving his one game suspension, and will once again team up with Ali Williams, who has recovered from his injuries.

The other change in the forwards is Greg Somerville. He replaces John Afoa, who moves to the bench, with Neemia Tialata dropping out of the twenty-two.

It's a strong looking forward pack, which should have to strength to out muscle the Wallabies pack, who are still relatively inexperienced in the tight five (with the exception of Nathan Sharpe...).

Henry has made two changes in the backline, which will see Richard Kahui and Anthony Tuitavake get another shot for the All Blacks.

Kahui, who had an impressive debut against the English, replaces Conrad Smith at center - who moves to the bench. The good news for Kahui is that Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out after sustaining a head injury against South Africa. Ryan Cross will start at center for the Wallabies, though, and life won't be any easier for Kahui - Cross has been in good form so far this year.

Tuitavake comes back onto the wing in place of Rudi Wulf, which is possibly a sign that Henry expects the Wallabies to attack out wide - and that will suit Tuitavake's excellent defensive skills.

Once again (boy, we say this a lot) we think Jimmy Cowan is unlucky not to get the start, and Andy Ellis gets the nod again. Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess has made mistakes under pressure, and we think Cowan would be better at putting that pressure on him.

C'mon Graham, give him a shot!

The All Blacks will be desperate to pick up the win in Australia, but don't expect the Wallabies to go down without a fight. Bledisloe Cup matches are traditionally among the toughest in world rugby, and we can see this one being no different.

Here's the full lineup:

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Greg Somerville
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Williams
6. Rodney So'oialo
7. Daniel Braid
8. Jerome Kaino
9. Andy Ellis
10. Dan Carter
11. Anthony Tuitavake
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Richard Kahui
14. Sitivini Sivivatu
15. Mils Muliaina

Reserves: John Afoa, Kevin Mealamu, Anthony Boric, Sione Luaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Conrad Smith.

The Wallabies have made only one change, with Cross in for Mortlock (injured). That means league convert Timana Tahu will come onto the bench for his first taste of Tri Nations rugby - good luck, son.

Oh - and we don't want to hear any mention of Deans supporters coming out of this country...