Graham Henry has gone for a bulky midfield and experimental outside backs to face Tonga in the Rugby World Cup opener on Friday night.  Sonny Bill Williams teams up with Ma'a Nonu in a massive midfield to take on the physical Tongans.  Israel Dagg will add some serious spark to the back three and will be joined by utilities Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava in a really unusual combination. 

It is difficult to know how much to read into these selections.  Is Israel Dagg now the first choice fullback or is it more a case of giving the guys who didn't play against Australia like Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava some game time?  I think this also could be the reason Andrew Hore and Jimmy Cowan are starting, although I think these two guys are good enough to start regularly. 

I wonder what the best way of rotating players is?  Some players need the break, while others thrive on match play.  My fear is that this is Rugby World Cup 2007 all over again.  Other teams are rolling out their top teams for their opening matches, while New Zealand have gone back to rotation.  Other teams develop cohesion with their tried and true combinations while our players will struggle against France when you think that there will probably be more changes for the Japan match.  We could have our back three having their first game together in months in the important match against France, should we be worried?  I remember in 1995 playing the top team in all games apart from Japan where we played nearly an entire B Team, would that rotation be more effective? 

Is New Zealand's depth in most positions apart from loose forward and first five eighth an advantage or disadvantage?  The best teams win Rugby World Cup tournaments, not the best individuals wearing the same jerseys.  It has undone our campaigns in the past and I hope it doesn't do the same this time.

Tonga have made seven changes to the team that defeated Fiji in their last outing.  The biggest talking point is if coach and former All Black Isitolo Maka's brother Finau has recovered sufficiently to start as captain at open-side flanker.  There are plenty of familiar faces for New Zealand fans with Finau Maka a strong player in the New Zealand scene for years.  Other players who have played to a high level in New Zealand include new centre Andrew Ma'ilei, exciting Highlander Siale Piutau, Kurt Morath, Taniela Moa, Viliami Ma'afu, Southland's Joe Tuinea, while the entire front row have played in New Zealand in the past.  The bench also has some interesting faces with Alisona Taumalolo the Chiefs prop, former Highlander Samiu Vahafolau and Otago's former back Alipate Fatafehi playing in a familiar country.

I think the Tongan team has some very physical players, especially with their front row and plenty of experience and skill with Finau Maka, Andrew Ma'ilei and Taniela Moa players to watch out for.  Can Kurt Morath set this backline alight?  Because if he doesn't then it could be a rough night at the office as Tonga will have to rely on scraps of possession.  

I am picking the All Blacks to weather an early storm and win by about 60 points.  They will look to rest Dan Carter and Richie McCaw once the game is in the bag.  Watch out for Israel Dagg and Sonny Bill Williams to cause some damage.

New Zealand:1. Tony Woodcock 2. Andrew Hore 3. Owen Franks 4. Brad Thorn 5. Ali Williams 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Richie McCaw (c) 8. Victor Vito 9. Jimmy Cowan 10. Daniel Carter 11. Isaia Toeava 12. Sonny Bill Williams 13. Ma’a Nonu 14. Richard Kahui 15. Israel DaggReplacements:16. Corey Flynn 17. Ben Franks 18. Anthony Boric 19. Sam Whitelock 20. Piri Weepu 21. Colin Slade 22. Cory Jane

Tonga: 15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Viliame Iongi, 13 Suka Hufanga, 12 Andrew Ma’ilei, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma’afu, 7 Finau Maka (c), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joe Tu’ineau, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Taufa’ao Filise, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Soane Tonga’uiha.
Replacements: 16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Alisona Taumalolo, 18 Kisi Pulu, 19 Sione Timani, 20 Samiu Vahafolau, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Alipate Fatafehi.

Date: Friday, September 9
Kick-off: 20:30 (08:30 GMT)
Venue: Eden Park Stadium, Auckland
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Stuart Terheege (England)
Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
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