All Blacks captain Richie McCaw (right) has been rested for the defending champs' final pool match after picking up a minor hip injury against Georgia.

Richie McCaw has been ruled out of the All Blacks final World Cup pool match with Tonga on Friday (Saturday NZ Time) but Waisake Naholo will take his place on the left wing in a special test for Ma'a Nonu.

McCaw picked up a minor hip injury against Georgia last week and has been rested as a precaution. The skipper could have played if desperately needed and is expected to return for the quarterfinal in Cardiff next week.

Sam Cane takes McCaw's place at openside flanker for the second time this tournament and Kieran Read assumes the captaincy.

PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES Second-five Ma'a Nonu will become the sixth All Blacks centurion against Tonga.

Naholo took a blow to the same leg he fractured earlier in the year but has recovered sufficiently, proving his fitness at training to earn his third test cap.

In an intriguing move the Highlanders finisher has been handed Julian Savea's 11 jersey, with Nehe Milner-Skudder returning on the right wing after sitting out the Georgian test.

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Nonu is back from a shoulder injury for his 100th test in what will be a special occasion for the world-class second five-eighth alongside veteran centre and good mate Conrad Smith. Nonu debuted in 2003 and has since made 83 test starts, scored 29 tries and is the All Blacks most capped No 12. He will become the sixth New Zealand centurion, pushing Sonny Bill Williams, who had the flu earlier this week, to the bench.

"On behalf of the All Blacks, we would like to congratulate Ma'a on this special milestone. He has been an incredibly valued member of our group for a very long time," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

"He has been fully committed to enhancing the All Blacks jersey and the values that go with it. He plays a special part within the group and loves this team. He and his family will be very proud of everything he's achieved, as we all are of him. We look forward to celebrating his achievement on Friday night."

After experimenting with a propping switch, Hansen has reverted to his favoured combination of Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks. Wyatt Crockett drops to the bench while Charlie Faumuina has been ruled out with a hamstring issue.

Luke Romano gains a start at lock alongside Crusaders teammate Sam Whitelock, with Brodie Retallick switching to the bench.

Liam Messam is on the bench and in line for his first action of the tournament after sitting out the first three games with a calf complaint.

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As expected, Dan Carter retains the 10 jersey and Beauden Barrett is back on the bench after recovering from whiplash.

In an interesting decision Tawera Kerr-Barlow has been preferred over TJ Perenara as the reserve halfback.

"We've had a very heavy workload in the last two weeks on the training pitch and a couple of very physical games, which has been great," Hansen said. "But this week we've been looking to freshen the group up and really concentrate on the key parts of our game that we expect will deliver a quality, 80-minute performance on Friday night. We're now getting to an exciting part of the competition - one game out from knockout footy.

"We know the Tongans will be very physical and bring everything to this final pool match. They're a proud nation who we've faced on a number of occasions. One only has to remember their last pool match against France in 2011 to know that if you don't turn up, they will make life difficult for you.

"Playing at St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United, will be a special occasion as there is a lot of history surrounding the park and the club. They've had some great players and coaches over the years - Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Kevin Keegan, to name a few - and we look forward to bringing our game to their special home."

ALL BLACKS: Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Waisake Naholo, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams