All Blacks confirm side for Aussie clash

The All Blacks have finally confirmed their starting line-up for tomorrow’s Bledisloe Cup rugby Test against Australia at Eden Park – three days after the squad was originally named.

Several injuries conspired to delay the naming but head coach Graham Henry today cleared up the confusion at halfback and hooker by announcing Jimmy Cowan and Andrew Hore as members of the starting XV.

Cowan has overcome a knee injury to start for the first time this season while Piri Weepu, who was brought in as cover on Monday, will be on the bench for what will be his first Test since falling out of favour during last year’s Tri-Nations campaign.

Andy Ellis, who sustained injured ribs during the 34-19 loss to the Wallabies in Sydney last weekend, has dropped out of the squad.

Hore had been in doubt after bruising his hip when scoring the All Blacks second try against Australia at ANZ Stadium but is able to start. Keven Mealamu is back-up on the bench.

Adam Thomson has been named on the bench ahead of specialist openside Daniel Braid.


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