The All Blacks have been forced to make three changes to their starting line-up for the one-off Test against Samoa on Wednesday.

Skipper Richie McCaw has been ruled out due to a rib injury sustained in the All Blacks' win over South Africa on August 16.

Also absent from the side are winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, lock Brad Thorn and prop John Afoa, who is suffering from a shoulder injury.

McCaw is expected to be fit to return to the team for the Tri-Nations decider against Australia on September 13.

In the meantime, Adam Thomson will play McCaw's position as flanker and Rodney So'oialo will captain the side in his 50th Test appearance.

The low-key Test against Samoa gives the team a chance to get on the field during their four-week break from the Tri-Nations series.

Coach Graham Henry said: "We need to play together as a team before we go to Australia so we're pleased to have the opportunity to play Samoa."

Full team: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Anthony Tuitavake, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Andrew Hore, 3 Greg Somerville, 4 Anthony Boric, 5 Ali Williams, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Adam Thomson, 8 Rodney So'oialo (captain).

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Sione Lauaki, 19 Piri Weepu, 20 Stephen Donald, 21 Isaia Toeava, 22 Rudi Wulf.

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