Richie McCaw to miss New Zealand's Rugby World Cup clash with Tonga

Richie McCaw receives treatment during the match against Georgia

New Zealand will be without injured captain Richie McCaw for their final World Cup Pool C game against Tonga at St James' Park in Newcastle on Friday.

McCaw picked up a minor hip injury during the 43-10 win over Georgia and has been rested as a precaution with Sam Cane taking his place at openside flanker and No 8 Kieran Read captaining the side.

Coach Steve Hansen said: "If we were playing a final, he would be fine, but we are just not prepared to take any risks with anyone that is not 100 per cent. We've had plenty of gasps from home before, but we're okay with it and the people that are anxious about it don't need to be anxious." 

Prop Charlie Faumuina (hamstring) is the only other unavailable player as Hansen names a strong line-up with a view to building some momentum going into the quarter-finals.

Centre Ma'a Nonu has recovered from a shoulder injury and will make his 100th Test appearance for the All Blacks.

Nonu, who made his Test debut in 2003, will be looking to add to his 29 New Zealand tries as the defending champions seek their fourth successive victory to seal top spot in the pool.

Ma'a Nonu is set for All Blacks century

"On behalf of the All Blacks, we would like to congratulate Ma'a on this special milestone," said Hansen.

"He has been an incredibly valued member of our group for a very long time. He has been fully committed to enhancing the All Blacks jersey and the values that go with it."

Hansen, who is set to give flanker Liam Messam his first action of the tournament off the bench, added: "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.

"But this week we've been looking to freshen up the group and really concentrate on key parts of our game that we expect will deliver a quality, 80-minute performance on Friday night.

"We know the Tongans will be very physical and bring everything to this final pool match. One only has to remember their [win in the] last pool match against France in 2011 to know that if you don't turn up, they will make life difficult for you."

Tonga coach Mana Otai has made one change to his team following the 45-16 defeat to Argentina with inside centre Latiume Fosita replacing Sione Piukala.

Sione Kalamafoni, Viliami Ma'afu, Sonatane Takulua, Siale Piutau, Telusa Veainu and Vungakoto Lilo all make their fourth starts of the tournament for Tonga who must win and hope Argentina lose to Namibia in their final game if they are to reach the last eight.

New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Kieran Read (capt).

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.

Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Telusa Veainu, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Latiume Fosita, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Sonatane Takulua; 1 Soane Tonga'uiha, 2 Elvis Taione, 3 Halani Aulika, 4 Tukulua Lokotui, 5 Joseph Tuineau, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Nili Latu (capt), 8 Viliami Ma'afu.

Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Sitiveni Mafi, 20 Jack Ram, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22  Viliami Tahitua, 23 Will Helu.