Premier All Blacks lock Ali Williams has recovered from injury to play in Saturday's opening Tri-Nations Test against South Africa in Wellington.

Williams had been in doubt after suffering a sprained ankle in the second Test against England but was on Tuesday named to again partner Brad Thorn for his 50th Test.

Coach Graham Henry said Williams had progressed well and would only need limited preparation to be ready.

There are two changes in the forwards and two in the backs from the England game.

Centre Conrad Smith and fullback Mils Muliaina are restored in place of Richard Kahui and Leon MacDonald respectively.

Prop Tony Woodcock will make his first Test start of the year after recovering from injury and comes in for Neemia Tialata.

Jerome Kaino is restored at No 8 with captain Rodney So'oialo shifting to the openside flanker in place of the injured Richie McCaw.

A reserve halfback is yet to be named, pending a misconduct hearing on Tuesday involving halfback Jimmy Cowan.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Rodney So'oialo (capt), Adam Thomson, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Res: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, halfback to be named, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald

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