Stephen Donald in action against France in Wellington last month © Getty Images

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Matches: New Zealand 22 - 16 Australia

Tournaments/Tours: Tri Nations

Teams: Australia | New Zealand | Waikato

Stephen Donald has won the race to wear the All Blacks' No.10 shirt for Saturday's Tri-Nations opener against Australia in Auckland.

The Waikato fly-half has bounced back from a hamstring injury suffered last month against France to edge out rival Luke McAlister for the first Bledisloe Cup clash of the year at Eden Park.

McAlister, who had also been in doubt after experiencing back spasms, started at fly-half in the All Blacks' most recent Test against Italy where he clearly struggled. Donald's play was also mixed during the drawn series against the French but head coach Graham Henry was confident he was up to the task of controlling the backs.

"We are pleased with the way that Stephen has developed since making his debut last year, he played well under difficult circumstances in the two French tests this year and we believe he is the right man for this test," said Henry when the 22-man squad was announced.

The identity of the fly-half was the only contentious decision for the All Blacks selectors, who have otherwise named their strongest available side. The return of captain Richie McCaw and No.8 Rodney So'oialo strengthens a pack that failed to impose themselves at times in the June tests against France and Italy.

So'oialo's reinstatement after a post-Super 14 rest sees loose forward Kieran Read drop to the bench. Hooker Andrew Hore also returns to the front row having recovered from a rib injury sustained early in the season opening loss to France in Dunedin on June 13.

Wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, another experienced player making his first appearance of the season, replaces his cousin Joe Rokocoko on the left wing.

Rokocoko, a 55-test veteran, has missed out on the right wing berth where Cory Jane's superior kicking skills have been preferred as the All Blacks anticipate an aerial barrage from Matt Giteau, Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

The All Black selectors made 10 changes from the side that produced an error-strewn 27-6 victory over Italy in Christchurch.

Tony Woodcock and Neemia Tialata also return to the front row, halfback Jimmy Cowan returns as the first choice halfback while Conrad Smith is also restored at centre, replacing Isaia Toeava, the only squad member unavailable for selection due to a foot injury.

On the bench rookie Canterbury front rower Owen Franks supplants John Afoa as propping cover while Taranaki lock Jason Eaton is named in a test squad for the first time since the French match in Paris in November 2006.

Rokocoko is the third back reserve alongside Piri Weepu and McAlister.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko.