Graham Henry

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Sydney, Sept 9 NZPA - Timing is everything, so it was little surprise that a year out from the World Cup opening ceremony, the only rugby achievement remaining on Graham Henry's wishlist today overshadowed his confirmation of an experimental team to play the Wallabies.

Although preparations for Saturday's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup doubleheader here against Australia have been the focal point since his team arrived in Sydney, the All Blacks head coach was quickly reminded of the significance of September 9, 2011, after he made five changes from the side who retrieved the Tri-Nations crown from South Africa on August 22.

"I think we're on track," he said when asked a question he can expect to field ad nauseam for the next 12 months.

"I think we're doing it properly," he added by way of reassurance.

"We're making sure we set the foundations in the Tri-Nations then we've got a (end of year) tour coming up with another five tests, then we think about 2011.

"It's one step at a time," he said of his evolving selection process with assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.

The trio's forward planning will be evident at ANZ Stadium on Saturday when the All Blacks strive become the first team to complete the Tri-Nations unbeaten since it was expanded in 2006.

They are also seeking to achieve a record 10th consecutive victory over the Wallabies and ensure Richie McCaw eclipses Sean Fitzpatrick's 51-test record as captain in appropriate fashion.

Those challenges will be met without injured first five-eighth Daniel Carter, who has been replaced by Aaron Cruden, experienced wing Joe Rokocoko, who makes way for Israel Dagg, and blindside flanker Jerome Kaino, who has been replaced by Victor Vito.

In other changes from the 29-22 victory over South Africa at Soweto on August 22, Piri Weepu starts at halfback ahead of Jimmy Cowan and Owen Franks returns at tighthead prop for his brother Ben. As well, Rene Ranger covers the outside backs for Dagg on the reserves bench, the uncapped Colin Slade is Cruden's deputy and Anthony Boric takes over Sam Whitelock's role as the reserve lock.

While Cruden was always destined to make his first test start for the injured Carter, rotation and reward is the reasoning behind the promotions of Dagg and Vito from the bench for the first time during the Tri-Nations.

Henry would not be drawn on whether Dagg and Vito would have started had the Bledisloe Cup or Tri-Nations trophies not been secured.

"I don't know really, it's a difficult question to answer," he said.

But he was clear of the value offered by a young trio such as Cruden, Dagg and Vito with only three run-on tests and 15 caps between them.

"They came on in Soweto and played superbly," he said.

"They've made a difference all year. It's their opportunity to play, a pat on the back for what they've been doing."

Vito said the newcomers were not big on self-congratulation.

"We haven't patted ourselves on the back or anything, but we're pretty happy we've got this opportunity," he said.

"The guys we're replacing have played really well this year so now the pressure is on to keep that track record going."

The Wallabies, meanwhile, are eager to end a nine-match losing streak against the All Blacks to complement their win over South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Lachie Turner is the only change to the run-on side who beat the Springboks 41-39 last weekend as a replacement injured wing Drew Mitchell.

Ashburton-born hooker Huia Edmonds comes on to the bench for the suspended Saia Faingaa.

Happy selecting a settled side, Australian coach Robbie Deans is not surprised Henry opted to use the test to broaden his squad's experience and doubts it will affect the quality of the All Blacks' performance.

"All of those blokes have had (test) rugby this season and they haven't affected the momentum of the team.

"They're a side that's not only well versed in what they're doing, they've also had the luxury to sit and watch, plan and refresh," he said.