Despite making five changes from a winning team last time out against South Africa, All Blacks coach Graham Henry insists he's picked his strongest team for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash.

With the Tri-Nations already won and bragging rights over Australia secure for another year, the raft of changes in the All Blacks starting line-up could be considered Henry giving some of his lesser players a chance.

While Aaron Cruden's selection at five-eighth for star Dan Carter was forced by an injury to the regular No. 10, Henry picking Israel Dagg on the wing in place of veteran Joe Rokocoko and naming Victor Vito at blindside flanker instead of Jerome Kaino were somewhat surprising selections.

But Henry would have no talk that he had gone with those two as well as halfback Piri Weepu and prop Owen Franks because the game is, essentially, a dead-rubber.

"They came on in the last Test match in South Africa, in Soweto, and played superbly," Henry told reporters on Thursday.

"They made a difference and they've made a difference all year and I think it's their opportunity to play.

"Just a pat on the back for what they've been doing for the past nine games really.

"You get into a situation, you look at it and say 'what is the best team for this Test match?' and that's what we think this is, the best team for this particular Test match."

Weepu's selection in the No. 9 jersey in place of Jimmy Cowan is believed to help his Hurricanes teammate Cruden in what will be the 21-year-old's first Test start.

And after a tough time during this year's Super 14 where Weepu battled with personal issues, Henry paid tribute to his halfback's spirit.

"He's a gifted player, he can see things that others can't," Henry said.

"He's a gifted footballer and he continually has the challenge of making sure he's in shape to play the game.

"He has more challenges in that area than the vast majority and he's attacking those challenges so we think he's a special player in this group and hopefully he will continue to be so."

Dagg will also be making his first start in a Test for the All Blacks and he can hardly wait despite some big shoes to fill.

"60-odd Tests for old Joe (Rokocoko), so it's a big occasion for me," Dagg said.

"I'm just finally excited to get the nod, in the Tri-Nations and get out there and have a game.

"I'm pretty sure that Australia want to beat us, They haven't won for the last nine games (against NZ), so they will come out all guns blazing."

All Blacks (from fullback): Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Res: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Rene Ranger.

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