New Zealand captain Richie McCaw will not make his comeback in Saturday's Tri-Nations match against Australia.

The open-side flanker was named as an either/or in the All Blacks team but has not recovered sufficiently from an ankle injury so Daniel Braid starts.

Australia will also be without their skipper, centre Stirling Mortlock.

Mortlock suffered concussion in their win over South Africa so rugby league convert Ryan Cross is handed his full debut, with George Smith named captain.

Cross, 28, who played rugby union at schoolboy level, has won three caps as a replacement since making his debut against France in June.

He made an immediate impression when he scored two tries in Brisbane after coming on in the second half.

Cross's elevation to the starting side means a call-up to the bench for another former rugby league player, Timana Tahu.

Tahu, 27, switched to union with the New South Waratahs at the start of the year after a successful league career during which he played for Parramatta, New South Wales and Australia.

The other change to the Wallabies 22 sees lock Dan Vickerman return on the bench after recovering from ankle surgery, replacing Hugh McMeniman.

McCaw had been hoping to feature after returning to All Blacks training on Monday, but may now delay his return until next week's return Bledisloe Cup fixture in Auckland.

The inclusion of Braid is one of five changes to the starting team that lost 30-28 to South Africa on 12 July.

Rodney So'oialo, who will continue to deputise as captain, shifts to blind-side flanker with Adam Thomson dropped, while Jerome Kaino remains at number eight.

Brad Thorn starts at lock after returning from suspension, while veteran prop Greg Somerville returns at the expense of John Afoa.

Anthony Tuitavake come in for Rudi Wulf on the wing while Richard Kahui is a surprise starter at centre ahead of Conrad Smith.

Kahui's only previous Test was against England last month.

"He plays with a lot of edge and we just feel he's ready to go this week," said head coach Graham Henry.

Australia: Ashley-Cooper, Hynes, Cross, Barnes, Tuqiri, Giteau, Burgess; Robinson, Moore, Baxter, Horwill, Sharpe, Elsom, Smith (capt), Palu.
Replacements: Polota-Nau, Dunning, Vickerman, Waugh, Cordingley, Tahu, Mitchell.

New Zealand: Muliaina, Tuitavake, Kahui, Nonu, Sivivatu, Carter, Ellis; Woodcock, Hore, Somerville, Thorn, Williams, So'oialo (capt), McCaw, Kaino
Replacements: Mealamu, Afoa, Boric, Lauaki, Cowan, Donald, Smith.

(BBC)

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