New Zealand rugby selectors have dropped two of the players who defeated Australia for a Tri-Nations fixture against South Africa on Saturday in Bloemfontein.

Right wing Cory Jane makes way for veteran Joe Rokocoko, who is fond of tormenting the Springboks with nine tries to his credit against the Rugby World Cup holders.

And Brendon Leonard comes in at scrum-half for Jimmy Cowan, who did not even make the replacements bench with Piri Weepu covering the No.9 position for the third clash of the arch rivals in the central city.

Hooker Andrew Hore retains his starting slot ahead of long-serving warrior Keven Mealamu despite some wayward line-out throwing in the opening match of the annual southern hemisphere championship.

Coach Graham Henry told a news conference Wednesday that Jane and Cowan played well in the 22-16 Auckland triumph over the Wallabies, but believed other squad members deserved an opportunity to impress.

"We were really happy with the effort and progress made against Australia and are looking for continued improvement in the first Test against South Africa," said Henry.

"It will be a massive challenge against our old foes," added the head coach ahead of a match at a venue where the All Blacks drew 11-11 in 1960 and won by six points 16 years later.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith expects New Zealand to rise above the standard displayed in a come-from-behind win over Australia, who were punished by the boot of fly-half Stephen Donald after building a 10-point advantage.

"We were a little rusty as a team and stuck to a basic game plan. A team must crawl before they walk and walk before they run. Australia was a step along a path," he stressed.

Team (15-1)

Mils Muliaina; Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino; Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn; Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane

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