Rokocoko returns to All Blacks squad

WINGER Doug Howlett and lock Jono Gibbes are the notable absentees from the 26-man All Blacks Tri-Nations squad.

Veteran winger Howlett missed out as Auckland team-mate Joe Rokocoko returned to the squad after missing the Lions series.

Gibbes missed out after the selectors opted for a 12-back, 14-forward split.

Other intriguing selections include uncapped prop John Afoa, five-eighth Luke McAlister, who made his debut in the third test against the Lions, and scrum-half Piri Weepu, who fills the gap left by departing veteran Justin Marshall.

“The immediate challenge is to maintain the level of performance that the squad achieved against the British and Irish Lions,” said coach Graham Henry.

The All Blacks’ first Tri-Nations match is against South Africa at Cape Town on August 6.

Meanwhile, Springbok coach Jake White has taken the opportunity to rest a number of front line players ahead of the Tri Nations and named a much changed side for tomorrow’s second Mandela Challenge Plate game against Australia.

However the side does include six players - with a total of nine in the match day 22 - the highest number of black players ever named in a Springbok match day squad.

“I said a while ago that we have a lot of talent in this country and all that is needed is for these players to be given an opportunity,” said White. “I am proud of all the guys and people need to understand that we are building for the future.”

White was forced into an extra change after CJ van der Linde pulled out of the side, suffering from headaches.

“I am of the firm view that you don’t mess around with head injuries or related ailments,” said White.

Eddie Andrews will pack in the front row next to skipper John Smit and Guthro Steenkamp after van der Linde’s withdrawal.

The Wallabies have made two changes to their starting line-up.

Outside centre Stirling Mortlock and full-back Chris Latham return from hamstring injuries but Mat Rogers has been ruled out with cartilage damage to his knee.

Rogers will return to Australia today to have further tests.

His place in the squad will be taken by Elton Flatley, who is set to join the team in Johannesburg tomorrow.

Morgan Turinui is fit and moves back to the reserves, after starting at outside centre in the last Test, while Drew Mitchell keeps his place in the 22. Also in the reserves, lock Daniel Vickerman has been selected for the first time this season, after missing the first four Tests of the year with a shoulder injury.