The teams for the first 2010 Tri-Nations meeting between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday 31 July Kick-Off 11:00am GST Live on Sky Sports 2, have been announced.
Joe Rokocoko will become New Zealand’s most-capped winger when he plays in their Tri-Nations game against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday. The 27-year-old has recovered from a hamstring injury and will play his 64th Test while Jimmy Cowan replaces new father Piri Weepu at scrum half.
Australia fly-half Quade Cooper failed in his appeal against a two-week ban and utility back Berrick Barnes has been drafted in to partner Matt Giteau who has been switched to fly-half, although the last time he and Barnes played together, the Wallabies were smashed 33-6 by the All Blacks in Wellington in last year’s tournament. Hooker Stephen Moore is the only other change for Australia. He has recovered from a broken jaw and replaces Saia Faingaa.
Teams
Australia: AA Cooper, J O’Connor, R Horne, B Barnes, D Mitchell, M Giteau, W Genia; R Brown, D Pocock, R Elsom (captain), N Sharpe, D Mumm, S Ma’afu, S Moore, B Robinson.
Replacements: S Faingaa, J Slipper, R Simmons, M Hodgson, L Burgess, A Faingaa, K Beale.
New Zealand: M Muliaina, C Jane, C Smith, Ma’a Nonu, J Rokocoko, D Carter, J Cowan, K Read, R McCaw (captain), J Kaino, T Donnelly, B Thorn, O Franks, K Mealamu, T Woodcock.
Replacements: C Flynn, B Franks, S Whitelock, V Vito, P Weepu, A Cruden, I Dagg