New Zealand coach Graham Henry stuck with the bulk of the side that beat Ireland last weekend when he named Wednesday his side to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium here Saturday.

But the former Wales boss was forced into announcing the names of three props, one of whom will take a currently vacant position on ther bench, pending the outcome of front-row Tony Woodcock`s disciplinary hearing later Wednesday.

Woodcock has been cited for striking with the fist during the All Blacks` 22-3 victory over Ireland at Croke Park last Saturday.

The only confirmed change to the team that started that match is in the backs where Richard Kahui replaces Conrad Smith at outside centre. Wales haven`t beaten the All Blacks since 1953, a run encompassing 19 Tests.

But Henry said he expected the reigning Six Nations grand slam champions to push his side hard.

`As we all know, Wales are a very good team. They play an expansive style of attacking rugby and have talent across the park, so it`s shaping up to be another classic encounter,` he said.

Tri-Nations champions New Zealand are bidding to complete a grand slam of their own against the four Home Nations. They are half-way there having already beaten Scotland (32-6 at Murrayfield) and Ireland.

But on Tuesday a largely second-string team was pushed all the way by European club champions Munster before wing Joe Rokocoko`s try in the closing minutes saw them beat the Irish province 18-16 at Limerick`s Thomond Park.

After the Wales match, New Zealand`s tour concludes with a Test against England at Twickenham on November 29.

New Zealand team to play Wales in a rugby union international at the Millennium Stadium here Saturday (1715GMT):

Mils Muliaina; Joe Rokocoko, Richard Kahui, Ma`a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Rodney So`oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino; Ali Williams, Brad Thorn; Tony Woodcock/Neemia Tialata/John Afoa; Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock/Neemia Tialata/John Afoa

Replacements: Corey Flynn, TBC, Anthony Boric, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava