Ma'a Nonu was called up for the first time this year as the All Blacks selectors went for experience for the opening Tri-Nations rugby Test against South Africa.

The second five-eighth is one of four changes from the side who began the second Test against Wales in Hamilton on June 26, with other additions being winger Joe Rokocoko, centre Conrad Smith and tighthead prop Owen Franks.

Nonu (with 46 caps), Rokocoko (62) and Smith (35) are key contributors in making this starting 15 the most experienced in New Zealand Test history, with a combined 671 appearances.

The total eclipses the 649 for the All Blacks' opening match of the 2007 World Cup against Italy in Marseille.

Coach Graham Henry said he and assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith had gone for proven Test performers to face the World Cup holders and defending Tri-Nations champions in Auckland on Saturday night.

"There are a lot of young guys knocking on the door and they will get their opportunity in time, just like the guys who are taking the field have had to wait to get their opportunity," he said.

"It's important to play the experienced players initially and let them prove they are good enough still to be there, and I'm sure they are."

Nonu comes in for Benson Stanley after just 70 minutes of club rugby since injuring his knee in the Hurricanes' final Super 14 match in mid-May.

He will line up alongside long-time midfield partner Smith, who has recovered from an eye injury to replace Richard Kahui.

Henry is confident Nonu will get into his stride at Eden Park despite limited game time.

"He'll be a bit apprehensive, that's only natural," he said.

"But once he gets on the bike in the heat of battle, he will be fine."

Rokocoko, recalled to the All Blacks for the home series last month after being left out of the end-of-season tour last year, gets the left wing berth in place of the dropped Zac Guildford.

Rokocoko has scored 45 tries in 62 Tests and Henry said the media attention on the player was unwarranted.

He cited how Rokocoko had come back strongly in this year's Super 14, which he ended as equal top tryscorer with nine, and his performances in his two Tests last month.

Franks returns to the No 3 jersey for Neemia Tialata, with Henry identifying scrummaging as one area for improvement after the series against Wales.

Fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Tom Donnelly are retained after returning to the international arena in the second Test against Wales following injury spells.

Henry was confident the pair were ready to face opponents of the quality of the Springboks.

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