Captain McCaw set for shock All Blacks return

(CNN) -- New Zealand coach Graham Henry hopes that skipper Richie McCaw can make a remarkable recovery from injury in time for Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby clash with Australia in Sydney.

The influential flanker is seeking to win his 63rd international cap a month after injuring his ankle in the second Test against England -- if he does, he will return two weeks ahead of schedule.

"Richie is coming through well but we don't know whether he is going to be ready for the weekend," Henry said. "I think he's a 50-50 (chance to play) really -- we will just see how he progresses during the week.

"The expectation was that he wasn't going to be ready until next week at the earliest, so we just have to wait and see.

"He's playing against two of the best sevens in the world -- (George) Smith and (Phil) Waugh -- and he doesn't want to be disadvantaged in that competition and he wants to make sure that he can be competitive. If he thinks he can be competitive, he'll play." "

The 27-year-old has been bracketed alongside Daniel Braid, who has recovered from a calf injury and is hoping to play for the All Blacks for the first time since the 2003 World Cup, as one of five changes made by Henry following the 30-28 defeat by South Africa.

McCaw or Braid will replace Adam Thomson, while lock Anthony Boric makes way as Brad Thorn returns from a one-match ban and prop Greg Somerville takes over from John Afoa at tighthead.

Richard Kahui starts his second test at center in place of Conrad Smith and Anthony Tuitavake replaces Rudi Wulf on the wing, with Sitiveni Sivivatu moving from the right to the left flank to accommodate him.

Thomson is dropped from the 22-man squad along with fullback Leon MacDonald, who is replaced on the bench by Smith.

"All of the players involved have performed well when given a chance and we think this combination gives us the best chance to win this week," Henry said.

Flyhalf Daniel Carter will make his 50th Test outing as the All Blacks go into the match after a win and a loss in their opening two matches at home to the Springboks.

Australia, who beat South Africa 16-9 in their opening match last weekend, will be without captain Stirling Mortlock.

The center scored one of the Wallabies' two tries in Perth, but has been ruled out after suffering concussion during the match.

Flanker Smith took over the skipper's armband when Mortlock went off and will again lead the team against New Zealand.

Rugby league convert Ryan Cross, who has been on the bench for the Wallabies' four Tests this year, is expected to replace Mortlock and make his starting debut.

Coach Robbie Deans, who took the post after failing to oust Henry despite the All Blacks' early World Cup exit, will name his team on Wednesday.

New Zealand team: Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid/Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Conrad Smith.

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