Giant Bird, Halai to make New Zealand debuts v Japan

(Reuters) - Giant lock Dominic Bird and winger Frank Halai will make their New Zealand debuts in the test against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and flyhalf Dan Carter, who have been troubled by injuries this year, were also named in the starting line-up on Thursday as they attempt to get match-time before the wld champions travel to Europe to face France, England and Ireland in November internationals.