Rugby-McCaw, So'oialo return for All Blacks, Donald gets start

WELLINGTON, July 15 (Reuters) - New Zealand have been boosted by the return of captain Richie McCaw and number eight Rodney So'oialo for Saturday's opening Tri-Nations test against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland.

Both missed the June tests against France and Italy as they recovered from knee (McCaw) and neck (So'oialo) injuries.

Stephen Donald was chosen ahead of Luke McAlister for the test, which is also a Bledisloe Cup match, at flyhalf.

Both McAlister and Donald had been battling injuries and the All Blacks' team naming was delayed until Wednesday for the coaching staff to ascertain their fitness.

"We are pleased with the way that Stephen has developed since making his debut last year," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in a statement.

"He played well under difficult circumstances in the two ...French tests this year and we believe that he is the right man for this test match."

Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu also returns after he suffered a shoulder injury during the Super 14 and missed the June tests.

Wellington Hurricanes fullback Cory Jane has slotted in on the right wing, with Joe Rokocoko dropping to the bench.

Henry said he and fellow selectors Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith were pleased they were finally able to pick from a squad with only one player, Isaia Toeava, definitively out of contention for the match with injury.