Rokocoko, Cowan are back in black
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:42
Joe Rokocoko: The try-scoring machine returns. (c) Gallo
The All Blacks have recalled wing Joe Rokocoko and scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan into the backline for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Rokocoko missed New Zealand's second Test against the Springboks two weeks ago with a hamstring injury but is now fully fit and has displaced Rene Ranger on the left-wing.
Cowan has regained the starting scrumhalf role from Piri Weepu because Weepu was late arriving in Melbourne after the birth of his first child. Weepu starred in New Zealand's 31-17 win over the Springboks in Wellington, which followed the 32-12 win over the Tri-Nations champions in Auckland.
Prop Tony Woodcock will play his 66th Test on Saturday, joining Greg Somerville as the most-capped All Blacks prop.
In all, the All Blacks starting XV boasts 700 Test caps, led by captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina who will both play their 86th Tests. Muliaina will also celebrate his 30th birthday on Saturday.
"We will need all our experience up against what is a very good Wallabies side," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.
"We have had a good start to the Tri-Nations with the two wins over South Africa but there is no room for complacency. We are playing our oldest rivals for one of our most prized trophies, the Bledisloe Cup, and both sides will come out firing."
New Zealand and Australia have played each other 136 times since 1903, with the All Blacks winning 92 matches, Australia 39 and with five draws.
The All Blacks first played in Melbourne in 1926 when they took on Victoria state, but have met Australia in Tests in the city only three times, most recently in 2007. They have also played World Cup matches in Melbourne against South Africa, Italy and Canada.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Josevata Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw
(captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.
Date: Saturday, July 31
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 20.00 (10.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (SA)
Assistant referees: Jonathan Kaplan (SA), Cobus Wessels (SA)
SAPA
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