 Matt Utai also missed the 2002 tour of Great Britain due to injury |
New Zealand wing Matt Utai has been included in the squad to face Australia on 16 October 24 hours after ruling himself out of the Tri-Nations series. Utai reportedly pulled out of the squad because of the need for an operation on an on-going ankle complaint.
He is set to see a specialist on Friday but has been named in the line-up to face the world champions in the series opener in Auckland.
Brothers Vinnie and Louis Anderson have also been drafted into the squad.
Hooker Louis Anderson is one of three new caps in the squad, along with Australian-born New Zealand Warriors full-back Brent Webb and Canterbury Bulldogs Roy Asotasi, who is on the bench.
Vinnie Anderson is down to play at half-back with Thomas Leuluai, although coach Daniel Anderson said that could all change prior to the match.
New Zealand: Brent Webb (Warriors), Francis Meli (Warriors), Nigel Vagana (Cronulla), Paul Whatuira (Penrith), Matt Utai (Bulldogs), Vinnie Anderson (Warriors), Thomas Leuluai (Warriors), Jason Cayless (Sydney Roosters), Louis Anderson (Warriors), Ruben Wiki (Canberra, captain), Tony Puletua (Penrith), Joe Galuvao (Penrith), Sonny Bill Williams (Bulldogs).
Interchange: Motu Tony (Castleford), Roy Asotasi (Bulldogs), Nathan Cayless (Parramatta), David Kidwell (Melbourne)
MMIX
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