Stephen Donald has won the battle for the crucial fly-half role as the All Blacks settled the one doubtful position ahead of Saturday’s opening Tri-Nations Test against Australia.

Head coach Graham Henry initially delayed naming his side both Donald and his main rival Luke McAlister were sidelined with injuries.

But as both players returned to training Henry announced that, although he had struggled in the two Tests against France last month, Donald, the original understudy for the injured Dan Carter, will wear the No.10 shirt against Australia.

“We are pleased with the way that Stephen has developed since making his debut last year,” said Henry. “He played well under difficult circumstances in the two French Tests this year and we believe he is the right man for this Test.”

Donald is one of ten, largely predictable, changes from the All Blacks last outing - an unimpressive 27-6 victory over Italy - with the only other notable selection being the preference of Cory Jane on the wing ahead of Joe Rokocoko.

The return of captain Richie McCaw at flanker and No.8 Rodney So’oialo strengthens a New Zealand pack that was unable to dominate France and Italy in the disappointing June Tests.

But assistant coach Wayne Smith warned fans that despite being key players this duo on their own can’t turn around a side that has failed to impress this year.

“Certainly they have a huge influence on the team, they contribute at team meetings and they give the guys confidence,” Smith said. “They’ve been around a long time and been successful… but you can’t expect them to carry the team. One or two men never win a rugby game, it’s the team that wins it.”

New Zealand XV to face Australia : M Muliaina; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, S Sivivatu; S Donald, J Cowan; R So’oialo, R McCaw (capt), J Kaino; I Ross, B Thorn; N Tialata, A Hore, T Woodcock.

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