New Zealand coach Graham Henry was able to name his strongest available side to play Wales after prop Tony Woodcock was cleared of a punching charge.

Woodcock was sent to the sin-bin and subsequently cited for throwing a punch during the All Blacks` 22-3 victory over Ireland at Croke Park last Saturday.

But an International Rugby Board hearing on Wednesday ruled no further punishment of the loose-head prop was necessary.

Now the only confirmed alteration to the starting side that beat Ireland is the injured-enforced replacement of outside centre Conrad Smith, struggling with a groin problem, by Richard Kahui. Henry has still to decide between Neemia Tialata and John Afoa at tighthead prop.

Wales haven`t beaten the All Blacks since 1953, a run encompassing 19 Tests. But former Wales coach Henry said he expected the reigning Six Nations grand slam champions, now under the care of another New Zealander in Warren Gatland, 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,` Henry predicted.

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.

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; Neemia Tialata/John Afoa; Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock

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