Weepu back in action for All Blacks

PIRI Weepu will start at scrum half for the All Blacks against Australia in the Tri-Nations Test in Christchurch this weekend after reclaiming his place in the side from the injured Jimmy Cowan.

The return of Weepu, who was relegated to the bench for last week's 49-28 mauling of the Wallabies in Melbourne after missing some training because of the birth of his first child, is one of three changes to the New Zealand squad.

Cowan's rib injury means a place on the bench for halfback Alby Mathewson, while dynamic Australian-born back Benson Stanley comes in for Israel Dagg among the replacements.

The All Blacks will be chasing their fourth win in four Tri-Nations Tests on Saturday.

Meanwhile, SANZAR says a misconduct charge against South Africa rugby coach Peter de Villiers will be heard in Cape Town on Friday.

De Villiers is charged with breaching SANZAR's Code of Conduct in comments made on 21 July on Australian television, when he criticised the performance of Tri-Nations referees.

New Zealand (to play Australia): Muliaina, Jane, Smith, Nonu, Rokocoko, Carter, Weepu, Read, McCaw (captain), Kaino, Donnelly, Thorn, Franks, Mealamu, Woodcock. Subs: Flynn, Franks, Whitelock, Vito, Mathewson, Cruden, Stanley.