All Blacks squad to face Fiji

Based on last night's trial and including the guaranteed incumbents, the selectors named 23 in the light of Muliana's recovering shoulder injury..

Sosene Anesi, Daniel Carter, Jerry Collins, Doug Howlett, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Richie McCaw, Justin Marshall, Aaron Mauger, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, James Ryan, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Greg Somerville, Rodney So’oialo, Campbell Johnstone, Mose Tuiali’I, Tana Umaga (Captain), Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Derren Witcombe.

in addition, Sione Lauaki and Anton Oliver will remain with the team..Ma'a Nonu's hurt his shoulder so may be a doubt..

this means Nick Evans, Craig Newby and Steven Bates may have missed the cut but i think Nick Evans should be back in the team for the Lions.. i think they want to see how Aaron Mauger goes at first-five, having been named as Carter's replacement.. and with the number of backs we have and knowing how talented Mauger is that might be.. but i think Evans can play at first-five and full back and is a v penetrative player.. and he can kick.. i'm not sure if Mauger can.. i know Leon McDonald can kick when needed when he comes back for the Lions..

So the XV to start against Fiji could be:

Tony Woodcock, Keven Meleamu, Greg Somerville, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuiali'i, Byron Kelleher, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Tana Umaga, Conrad Smith, Doug Howlett, Sosene Anesi/Mils Muliana

with Nonu and Mauger on the bench..

anyway just over 6 hours to go to the first game against the Lions..