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| Wednesday, 31 July, 2002, 04:46 GMT 05:46 UK Wallabies unchanged for All Blacks ![]() Umaga returns to the starting line-up Australia have named an unchanged side for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Sydney. Mat Rogers is fit to take his place on the bench at Stadium Australia after sustaining a calf injury in training on Tuesday. The former rugby league international completed a rigorous fitness session at the team's camp in Coffs Harbour, dispelling doubts that he could miss out. The All Blacks have made one change to their starting line-up, with Wellington Hurricanes centre Tana Umaga coming in for Mark Robinson.
But for Umaga's Super 12 team-mate Jonah Lomu, the season is quickly becoming one to forget. Despite making a late appearance in New Zealand's 41-20 win over South Africa in Wellington, Lomu has been dropped from the squad. Coach John Mitchell explained the decision was based on defensive tactics and player combinations and was quick to stress that Lomu had every chance of a Test recall. The more versatile Canterbury full-back Leon MacDonald has been recalled to the bench in Lomu's place after recovering from concussion. "It's by no means the end of Jonah, it just comes down to the mix," Mitchell said. "We believe there are certain strengths Australia have got that would try to expose our back three." Lomu's omission was neverthless greeted with surprise by Mitchell's Australian counterpart Eddie Jones. "I think it's always a surprise when a world class player like Lomu's left out of the team but it just goes to show that New Zealand are a very, very strong side," Jones said. The All Blacks will again be without lock Norm Maxwell, who has failed to recover from a hamstring injury. Hooker Mark Hammett, who was forced off against South Africa, is bracketed with Tom Willis in the starting line-up. If he fails to shake off his knee injury, Willis will move off the bench with Andrew Hore replacing him among the replacements. |
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