Lomu dropped from Tri-Nations clash

Jonah Lomu has been dropped from the All Blacks side for the opening Tri-Nations clash against defending champion Australia.

Lomu even fails to make even the bench in John Mitchell's 22-man squad.

Lomu has scored 35 tries in 56 test appearances for New Zealand, and has been the most recognizable player in rugby since the 1995 World Cup, where he was voted player of the tournament.

New Zealand team: Christian Cullen, Doug Howlett, Mark Robinson, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall; Scott Robertson, Richard McCaw, Chris Jack, Norm Maxwell, Reuben Thorne (captain), Greg Somerville, Mark Hammett, David Hewett. Reserves: Ben Blair, Daryl Gibson, Byron Kelleher, Taine Randell, Simon Maling, Joe McDonnell, Tom Willis.