New Zealand prop Woodcock cleared to face Wales

LONDON (Reuters) - New Zealand prop Tony Woodcock has been cleared by a judicial hearing to play against Wales on Saturday (1715 GMT), New Zealand Press Association reported.

Woodcock was sin-binned and cited after throwing a punch during the 22-3 win over Ireland last Saturday but an International Rugby Board hearing decided no further punishment was necessary.

New Zealand have picked their strongest available side to face the Six Nations champions with lock Ali Williams selected to play his fourth test on successive Saturdays after playing in victories over Australia, Scotland and Ireland.

"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," coach Graham Henry said in a statement.

New Zealand - 15-Mils Muliaina, 14-Joe Rokocoko, 13-Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10-Daniel Carter, 9-Jimmy Cowan; 8-Rodney So'oialo, 7-Richie McCaw (captain), 6-Jerome Kaino, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Brad Thorn, 3-Neemia Tialata/John Afoa, 2-Keven Mealamu, 1-Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16-Corey Flynn, 17-to be confirmed, 18-Anthony Boric, 19-Kieran Read, 20-Piri Weepu, 21-Stephen Donald, 22-Isaia Toeava.

(Writing by John Mehaffey; Editing by Ed Osmond)