All Blacks drop Ranger, Messam
19 July 2010 (06:11)
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| Rene Ranger © Gallo Images |
Try-scoring winger Rene Ranger and flanker Liam Messam have been dropped from New Zealand's Tri-Nations squad to face Australia in Melbourne next week.
Ranger, who marked his first start for the All Blacks with a try in their 31-17 win over world champions South Africa on Saturday, was replaced by Joe Rokocoko in the 26-man squad for the July 31 test.
The Hurricanes' Victor Vito comes in for Messam after recovering from a calf injury.
Blues scrumhalf Alby Mathewson will also form part of the squad as cover for Piri Weepu, whose wife is due to give birth to their first child this week.
New Zealand head the Tri-Nations standings after claiming two bonus point home victories over South Africa in the first two matches of the tournament.
Squad:
Forwards:
John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Victor Vito, Samuel Whitelock, Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson.
Read more on the Tri-Nations page.
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