Ex-Oz stars set for clash

Two former Australian rugby league team-mates are set to face each other in a rugby union Test between Italy and New Zealand this weekend.

Craig Gower and Brad Thorn played several rugby league Tests for Australia in the late 1990s but both players have since switched codes and now countries.

Fly-half Gower represents Italy courtesy of an Italian grandfather, while New Zealand-born lock Brad Thorn, who was raised in Australia, will run out for the All Blacks.

Gower recalled how the pair had often been room-mates during their international careers with the Kangaroos.

"We played for Australia together, and we roomed together," said the 31-year-old, who is being hailed as the potential saviour of Italian rugby.

"It's just amazing how this can happen," added Thorn.

Ex-Oz stars set for clash