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Wednesday, 12 June, 2002, 09:19 GMT 10:19 UK
Sailor set for Wallabies debut
Wendell Sailor in training for the Wallabies
Sailor has impressed in Wallabies training
Former rugby league international Wendell Sailor will make his rugby union debut for Australia when the Wallabies face New Zealand Maori at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

Winger Sailor and second-row Nathan Sharpe will both start for the first time as the Australians prepare for a two-Test series against France later this month.

Sailor's selection continues his rapid rise in rugby union since switching codes last year.

Utility back Mat Rogers, another former rugby league international, will start on the bench.

Former full-back Matthew Burke has been chosen at outside centre while Daniel Herbert moves to inside centre.


This is like a Test match for me
Wendell Sailor

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said Rogers would get some playing time in the centres and at stand-off against the Maori.

"We've still got to find out our best combination," said Jones.

"This is our first game together and we're playing a number of guys in different positions, as we did in the Australia A game (against Canada), so we need to find out what our best combination is."

Sailor was thrilled at his promotion, which would be complete if he retains his spot for the Wallabies' opening Test match of the year against France at Melbourne's Colonial Stadium on 22 June.

"There's going to be a few goose bumps for me, personally this is like a Test match for me," said Sailor.

"I'm just very keen to play for the Wallabies, it's a dream of mine and hopefully the first step to bigger and better things."

Argentine-born Patricio Noriega will start at tighthead prop after Ben Darwin was ruled out with an ankle injury.

New Zealand Maori coach Matt Te Pou has made four changes from the side which beat New South Wales 43-18 on Saturday.

Roger Randle failed a fitness test so Willie Walker will start at full-back, with Bruce Reihana and Rico Gear the new wingers.

Rhys Duggan has recovered from a neck injury, replacing Brendan Haami as starting half-back.


Australia: Chris Latham, Wendell Sailor, Matthew Burke, Daniel Herbert, Stirling Mortlock, Elton Flatley, George Gregan (capt), Toutai Kefu, George Smith, Owen Finegan, Justin Harrison, Nathan Sharpe, Patrico Noriega, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young. Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Rod Moore, Matt Cockbain, David Lyons, Chris Whitaker, Mat Rogers, Andrew Walker.

New Zealand Maori: Willie Walker, Rico Gear, Ryan Nicholas, Mark Mayerhofler, Bruce Reihana, Carlos Spencer, Rhys Duggan, Dion Muir (capt), Matua Parkinson, Jonno Gibbes, Bryce Williams, Reece Robinson, Carl Hayman, Slade McFarland, Greg Feek. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Deacon Manu, Blair Urlich, Kristian Ormsby, Brendan Haami, Glen Jackson, Joe Maddock.

See also:

10 Jun 02 | International
09 Jun 02 | International
09 Jun 02 | International
08 Jun 02 | International
06 Jun 02 | International
04 Jun 02 | International
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