British and Irish Lions

The influential openside picked up the injury in the win over South Africa in Cape Town but is expected to be fit for the Tri Nations decider against Australia on September 13.

McCaw has been replaced in the starting XV by Adam Thomson, with Rodney So'oialo captaining the side in his 50th Test.

Thomson's inclusion is one of three changes to a starting XV also missing wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and lock Brad Thorn.

"We need to play together as a team before we go to Australia so we're pleased to have the opportunity to play Samoa," said former Lions and now New Zealand coach Graham Henry.

New Zealand

15 Mils Muliaina
14 Richard Kahui
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Anthony Tuitavake
10 Dan Carter
9 Jimmy Cowan

1 Tony Woodcock
2 Andrew Hore
3 Greg Somerville
4 Anthony Boric
5 Ali Williams
6 Jerome Kaino
7 Adam Thomson
8 Rodney So'oialo (captain)

Replacements

16 Keven Mealamu
17 Neemia Tialata
18 Sione Lauaki
19 Piri Weepu
20 Stephen Donald
21 Isaia Toeava
22 Rudi Wulf

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says he picked his Test team for Saturday's opening international based on how his side plans to play rather than on what The British & Irish Lions will bring to the table.

Warren Gatland says he and his British & Irish Lions Test team are fully aware of the size of the threat posed by Qantas Wallabies wing Israel Folau this weekend.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.