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Injury worries lift for All Blacks

26/07/2006 18:12:02

Injury clouds are lifting over the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane.

Tony Woodcock and Leon MacDonald have both taken a full part in training this afternoon. Woodcock's calf injury and MacDonald's elbow problem have not hindered their ability to run freely at Brisbane's Grammar School.

MacDonald had his elbow heavily strapped but he is looking good to be right for Saturday. All Blacks enforcer Jerry Collins says the same goes for Woodcock. He says he does not know much about propping but Woodcock is looking good and he is feeling upbeat about being fit for the test.

Rodney Blake is the feature of the Wallabies side named today for the test.

"Rodzilla"'s selection at prop comes ahead of Guy Shepherdson, and is one of three changes to the Aussie side that was beaten by New Zealand in Christchurch earlier this month.

The other changes see Scott Fava starting at number eight with Rocky Elsom moving to blindside flanker, while Jeremy Paul has won the hooker's spot.

The two sides in full:

AUSTRALIA: Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), Scott Fava, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Rodney Blake, Jeremy Paul, Greg Holmes.

Reserves: Tai McIsaac, Al Baxter, Guy Shepherdson, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Wycliff Palu, Sam Cordingley, Mat Rogers, Clyde Rathbone.

NEW ZEALAND: Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Mils Muliaina, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko, Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Greg Somerville, Jason Eaton, Chris Masoe, Jimmy Cowan, Luke McAlister, Isaia Toeava.

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