All Blacks coach Graham Henry and assistant Wayne Smith talk to the press in Cardiff on Wednesday © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Tony Woodcock

Teams: New Zealand

An injury cloud and a threat of suspension have lifted from Tony Woodcock but the All Blacks' preparations for Saturday's test against Wales can still be compromised by issues affecting the front row.

Premier loosehead Woodcock's side trip to the International Rugby Board headquarters in Dublin last night ended well when he avoided any further punishment for a punch to Irish hooker Rory Best during the 22-3 win at Croke Park last weekend.

Woodcock was penalised and yellow-carded so his admission today of guilt at a judicial hearing was accepted. It led All Blacks management to wonder why their most experienced prop was charged by English citing officer Peter Larter in the first place.

All Blacks head coach Graham Henry was satisfied "common sense" had prevailed but questioned why Woodcock and assistant coach Steve Hansen were delayed in Ireland if the punch was never considered a red card offence. Woodcock and Hansen were to join the squad in Cardiff tomorrow, where a test 22 were to hold their only intensive training session in Cardiff before Saturday's test against Warren Gatland's Six Nations champions.

Although Woodcock will play his 48th test after also recovering from back spasms, the tighthead berth was still to be filled, with Neemia Tialata's flu symptoms jeopardising his involvement. He has been bracketed with John Afoa while the All Blacks may also need new back-up for hooker Keven Mealamu following reports understudy Corey Flynn has suffered another serious arm injury.

Team management were expected to clarify Flynn's predicament tomorrow.

If he is ruled out, Mealamu will be tasked with logging significant minutes in Cardiff and then against England at Twickenham. The squad's other hooker is Hikawera Elliot, who has only played 18 minutes as an All Black against Munster.

Amid all this uncertainty Henry, predictably named a lineup close to full strength as he plots the continuation of the All Blacks' 55-year unbeaten record against Wales. Centre is the only positional change from the team who comfortably accounted for the Irish.

A flaring of Conrad Smith's historic groin strain has seen him replaced by Richard Kahui. The switch should not adversely effect the backline's operation given Kahui was man of the match in the Grand Slam opener in Edinburgh and might have felt aggrieved to make way for the equally-impressive Smith in Dublin.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith said choosing Ma'a Nonu's partner in midfield was a welcome challenge for the selectors. "There's a real contest going on for the 13 jersey," Smith said, expressing no doubt Kahui would slot in seamlessly again.

Joe Rokocoko, the match-winner when the All Blacks pipped Munster 18-16 on Tuesday night, makes his third start in succession as the coaches give their preferred back three another opportunity to hum. Meanwhile, Henry paid due deference to Wales, the team he coached for 34 tests between 1998 and 2002.

He admired the current team's performance against South Africa a fortnight ago, fighting back from a first-half deficit to get within five of the world champions.

"They played pretty well as the game went on against South Africa," he said. "They play an expansive style, they play with width and they have the ability to use the ball. They can defend well, it's pretty much the complete package really."

He said his front-liners were looking to finesse their finishing after letting several tries go begging against Ireland. "The guys played some pretty good football, but it could have been a bigger score if we'd been a bit more clinical. We're hoping to see an improvement this week."

History suggests Henry's wish may be granted. The All Blacks have won each of the four tests they have played against Wales at the impressive stadium since 2002. Their last two visits have resulted in average score of 43-7.