Tuesday, July 27, 2010

2010 Tri-Nations, Melbourne: Joe Rokocoko fit to face Australia.


Joe Rokocoko will become New Zealand's most-capped winger when he plays in their Tri-Nations game against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday. He has recovered from a hamstring injury and will play his 64th Test while Jimmy Cowan replaces new father Piri Weepu at scrum half."I'm the man most wanted in New Zealand at the moment," he mused, in relation to public criticism that he is past his best."Everyone wants to take my head off."Fellow elder statesman Mils Muliaina has already survived a challenge by Israel Dagg -- the talented fullback then showed wing was not beyond his capabilities when he scored a fine individual try against South Africa in Wellington.Rokocoko has been preferred to specialist wing men Zac Guildford, and Hosea Gear - and his experience guaranteed inclusion against the Wallabies though even his loyal defender Graham Henry acknowledged the scorer of 46 Test tries was still on trial.
Australia Squad: 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 Squad: 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

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