Mealamu to start for 100th All Blacks cap

18 Oct 2012, 7:33 am   -   Source: AAP
Keven Mealamu will line up for his 100th Test cap for the All Blacks against Australia on Saturday. (AAP)

Keven Mealamu will line up for his 100th Test cap for the All Blacks against Australia on Saturday. (AAP)

Hooker Keven Mealamu has been named in the starting line-up for his 100th All Blacks Test - the final Bledisloe Cup clash of the season in Brisbane.

Hooker Keven Mealamu will mark his 100th Test for the All Blacks by running on in the starting line-up against Australia in the year's final Bledisloe Cup rugby match.

He will become the third New Zealander to reach a century of caps when he takes the field in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Skipper Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina achieved the milestone during last year's World Cup.

Tokoroa-born Mealamu, 33, made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff 10 years ago and has gone on to captain the All Blacks three times.

Coach Steve Hansen described the Blues skipper as a hugely respected person, not only in New Zealand rugby, but also in the wider community.

"He is a key leader in the team and one of the true gentlemen of New Zealand rugby," Hansen said.

"I know his family are extremely proud of him and so is his All Blacks family."

Mealamu's inclusion, with Andrew Hore going to the bench, is one of two changes from 15 that began the 32-16 win over South Africa in the final round of the Rugby Championship.

The other is the selection of prop Charlie Faumuina, who gets his first start in his fourth Test.

Faumuina comes in at tighthead for Owen Franks, who is among the reserves.

In other changes on the bench, Victor Vito is in for Adam Thomson as loose forward cover, while Ben Smith replaces Tamati Ellison as the outside back option.

The All Blacks have already wrapped up the Bledisloe Cup for another year after taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

They will take a travelling squad of 26 to Brisbane, with Ellison, winger Julian Savea, prop Ben Franks and flanker Sam Cane joining the match-day 22.

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.

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