Back in the mix: Joe Rokocoko and Jimmy Cowan
New Zealand have made two changes ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in Melbourne, with Jimmy Cowan and Joe Rokocoko both promoted to the starting line-up.
Cowan will wear the number nine jersey ahead of an unlucky Piri Weepu, who was among the All Blacks' best against South Africa in Wellington.
Rokocoko has been rushed straight back into the run-on side at the expense of Rene Ranger after overcoming a hamstring injury.
The in-form Weepu, who became a father for the first time on Sunday, will start on the bench while Ranger will play no part in the match despite scoring a try in his run-on debut against the Springboks.
"We will need all our experience up against what is a very good Wallabies side," said coach Graham Henry.
"We have had a good start to the Tri-Nations with the two wins over South Africa but there is no room for complacency."
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 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 Sam 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
Comments
neilyweily says...
Hard to find a weak link in that ABs 22. It's solid, it's got great flair and just the right balance of experience. Could Cowan's inclusion signal the type of game they expect against Oz? The boks were regularly exploited around the edge of the breakdown and Cowan's defence will surely counter that threat.
Posted 15:56 29th July 2010
jmanngod says...
Trinats... just call me god.
I am not sure who McCall is? Nor do I know if Joubert is gay. But good luck Coz you guys are sure gonna need it.
Posted 08:33 28th July 2010
runnrugby says...
Rokocoko needs to start scoring tries. Im not sure but I think he's scored 2 tries in his last 16 tests for the AB's
Posted 23:43 27th July 2010
dylster says...
i think its a good move, cowan in your face, great defence, and then Weepu as an impact player as the Wallabies start to tire. i would get Weepu on early tho if i was Henry, 10 min into 2nd half.
And hoping for another Dagg cameo! although i think the Wallabies will be on to him and wont give him much space.
Posted 23:13 27th July 2010
Ripzy007 says...
On his last two tests Mils is still the best fullback in NZ but I do agree with the call to give Dagg a chance to start on the wing. The guy deserves to be in the starting 15. Then NZ will have 3 wing/fullback who are all decent under the highball and have a great kicking game
Posted 21:07 27th July 2010
Egdar says...
(Re: Lebo) Weepu looked strong, fast, skillful, aware and confident but not unfit. Maybe bring on Cowan for the last 20 but you should start with your strongest team.
Posted 19:35 27th July 2010
tuco says...
cowan wasn't "dropped"... he had a minor injury, that's why he was on the bench... and weepu has been aways cause of his daughter's birth... that's why they picked cowan, surely though weepu will get a good amount of minutes on the field...
dagg for rokocoko without a doubt
Posted 19:13 27th July 2010
rolf says...
Rocketman strikes again. great.
Posted 12:31 27th July 2010
payne1 says...
dagg deserves a start surely
Posted 12:18 27th July 2010
Lebo says...
Perhaps the coaches don't think that Weepu has the required fitness level to start against the Wallabies?
Posted 12:17 27th July 2010
Trinats says...
jmanngod:
The only point Craig Joubert has made, is that every time Australia play with him as person with the whistle (can't even call him a Ref) they are sure to get a sinbin or two (Three in one game !)
I reckon he was knocked back when he applied for Australian residency and is dirty ever since or is McCall's secret lover !!!
Posted 10:00 27th July 2010
BoDiddly says...
Surprised at Cowan's recall. I presume they want to see how well he responds to being dropped. Hopefully he's addressed his decision making issues after developing a habit of choosing the wrong option when moving the ball away from the breakdown. Lots of good young players coming through for the AB's, it's a pity on of them isn't an outstanding 9.
Tough call for Weepu after what was probably one of his best games in the black shirt.
Posted 08:02 27th July 2010
jmanngod says...
uh oh...SAffie ref with point to make?
Posted 07:10 27th July 2010
Egdar says...
Weird that, dropping the guy who played best in the last test to the bench, WEIRD!
Posted 07:08 27th July 2010