Rugby-All Blacks make two changes for South Africa test

WELLINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - New Zealand have made two changes to the All Blacks' starting side for the second Tri-Nations rugby union test against South Africa in Dunedin on Saturday.

Lock Anthony Boric will make his first appearance in the run-on side while Auckland tighthead prop John Afoa returns from a knee injury.

Boric comes in for Brad Thorn, who was suspended for one week for an illegal tackle on South African hooker John Smit during the All Blacks' 19-8 win in the first test in Wellington on Saturday.

Afoa, who injured his knee in the one-off test against Ireland in early June, replaces veteran Greg Somerville.

Uncapped lock Kevin O'Neill comes into the 22-man squad on the bench.

"We showed a lot of guts last week and we are very proud of that, but we want to improve technically," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.

"We expect the Springboks will lift their performance and we'll need to be better if we are to win."

Henry said Afoa deserved to come back into the starting side after his efforts during the Super 14.

"John showed some very good form before his injury and he's been waiting patiently for his knee to come right and to get back on the field," Henry said.

Fullback Mils Muliaina will break Christian Cullen's New Zealand record at fullback when he starts his 46th test in the number 15 jersey.

Team:

New Zealand: 15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Rudi Wulf, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Andy Ellis, 8. Jerome Kaino, 7. Rodney So'oialo (captain), 6. Adam Thomson, 5. Ali Williams, 4. Anthony Boric, 3. John Afoa, 2. Andrew Hore, 1. Tony Woodcock

Replacements: 16. Keven Mealamu, 17. Neemia Tialata, 18. Kevin O'Neill, 19. Sione Lauaki, 20. Jimmy Cowan, 21. Stephen Donald, 22. Leon MacDonald.

(Reporting by Andrew Stevens in Brisbane, Editing by Martin Petty)