The star flyhalf was banned from Saturday's 20-6 win away to Italy in Milan while serving a one-week suspension for a high tackle on Wales replacement scrumhalf Martin Roberts during the All Blacks' 19-12 win in Cardiff on November 7.

Carter, who has been struggling with a calf injury, may well have been rested from the Italy game in any event.

But now, with the benefit of a week's break, he is ready to pit his wits against England No10 Jonny Wilkinson.

''If you've got a good 10, things go quite well for you,'' New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen said.

''They are probably the two best 10s in the last decade.

''When you get two of the best players in the world up against each other, it makes for a great contest.''

First choice right wing Cory Jane and leading tight-head prop Neemia Tialata, the only two All Blacks to have so far played all three Tests on a tour that began with a Bledisloe Cup win over Australia in Tokyo, were rested by Henry.

''Neemia and Cory have played every game on tour, we thought it time to give them a bit of space,'' Henry said.

They were replaced by 20-year-old Zac Guildford, winning only his second cap and 21-year-old Owen Franks who is gaining his eighth.

New Zealand captain and stand-out openside flanker Richie McCaw, in line to become the first man to win the IRB player of the year award twice, returns to captain after not playing against Italy.

Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and lock Tom Donnelly were the only survivors from the New Zealand team that won at the San Siro stadium. AFP