But despite resting the likes of hard-hitting Jerry Collins, rugged hooker Anton Oliver and tour captain Tana Umaga, Henry has still named a strong side to take on his former charges.
Flanker Richie McCaw becomes the All Black’s 60th captain in Umaga’s absence while try-merchant Joe Rokocoko and enigmatic fly-half Daniel Carter both keep their places following the 59-10 win over Italy in Rome last weekend.
Aaron Mauger comes in for Conrad Smith in the midfield with Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Byron Kelleher and Rico Gear switching to the bench while Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu return.
One man itching to make the most of his first start of the tour will be winger Doug Howlett having shaken off shoulder and hamstring injuries which kept him out of the Italy meeting. Howlett grabbed a brace of tries in his last outing at the Millennium Stadium two years ago as the All Blacks powered past Wales 43-17 and will be hoping to add to his tally this time around.
It will be the first time Henry and fellow former Wales coach Steve Hansen return to the 72,500 Cardiff ground as Wales try and end a 51-year-old drought and a losing streak of 16 games this weekend.
NEW ZEALAND:
15-Malili Muliaina (Auckland)
14-Doug Howlett (Auckland)
13-Casey Laulala (Canterbury)
12-Aaron Mauger (Canterbury)
11-Joe Rokocoko (Auckland)
10-Daniel Carter (Canterbury)
9-Piri Weepu (Wellington)
1-Tony Woodcock (North Harbour)
2-Keven Mealamu (Auckland)
3-Greg Somerville (Canterbury)
4-Chris Jack (Canterbury)
5-Ali Williams (Auckland)
6-Rodney So’oialo (Wellington)
7-Richard McCaw (Canterbury, Captain)
8-Mose Tuiali’i (Auckland)
Replacements:
Anton Oliver (Otago)
Carl Hayman (Otago)
Reuben Thorne (Canterbury)
Marty Holah (Waikato)
Byron Kelleher (Waikato)
Ma’a Nonu (Wellington)
Rico Gear (North Harbour)
