Sonny Bill Williams is determined to seize his chance after being named in a giant All Blacks centre pairing with Ma'a Nonu for the Rugby World Cup opener against Tonga on Friday.

It didn't take long for New Zealand to push the boundaries of their pledge to abandon the controversial rotation policy for pool matches used in their failed 2007 World Cup campaign.

Williams' inclusion at the expense of regular first-choice Conrad Smith is one of nine changes to the run-on side that lost the Tri Nations decider to Australia 25-20 in their last outing.

Former NRL star Williams didn't even make the bench in that match but will start at inside centre against Tonga at Eden Park, with Nonu moving out one position.

The back three are completely changed with rising star Israel Dagg starting at fullback ahead of veteran Mils Muliaina and utilities Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava taking over the wing spots from Cory Jane and Zac Guildford.

Halfback Piri Weepu is also rested, with Jimmy Cowan back to partner Dan Carter, while Andrew Hore takes over at hooker from Kevin Mealamu and hard-hitting Jerome Kaino returns to join skipper Richie McCaw and No.8 Victor Vito in the backrow.

Coach Graham Henry explained the selections as giving the "backbone" of his starting XV regular game time together while others needed an opportunity for game time as well.

Henry stressed Williams was back in the side with a chance to prove himself again in case he was required later in the tournament.

"The reason for the selection was to give Sonny Bill an opportunity and he's got that," said Henry.

"We don't know what's going to happen later in the tournament and who's going to be standing and who's not so we've got to give players an opportunity to play and to force their abilities on the selectors.

"Also, if we have an injury they need to have had some games in recent times."

Williams, who has yet to re-sign with the All Blacks for after the World Cup, started in only one of the five All Blacks Tests this year and was reluctant to talk about his form leading into the World Cup.

"I'm really excited to get my shot (against Tonga). I'm concentrating on playing this week. Everything else is irrelevant to me," he said.

Nonu, who now seldom plays at outside centre, was looking forward to teaming up with Williams who is renowned for drawing in defenders before using his strength and long arms to produce freakish off-loads.

"He's a megastar, a rock star, a great athlete. Hopefully he can do his magic and I can run off him," he said.

Prop Tony Woodcock will start despite suffering a hamstring twinge earlier in the week while Adam Thomson and Kieran Read were not considered because of injury leaving lock Sam Whitelock as the reserve loose forward.

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Isaia Toeava, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Cory Jane.

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