Sailor thrown overboard by Australia

Wendell Sailor has been dropped from Australia's squad for the Tri-Nations clash with New Zealand.

Ben Tune returns from injury to take his place in the starting 15.

Sailor, a former rugby league international, earned two rugby union caps in Australia's recent 2-0 series win over France.

Tune missed the France series with a knee injury and his return to the line-up was expected.

Mat Rogers, another former rugby league international, retains his place on the bench for Saturday's Test in Christchurch.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said Sailor was still in contention for the Test squad and had performed well in his initial matches for Australia.

"I think Wendell has served Australia well in Ben Tune's absence and he fully understands that he's being replaced by one of the world's best players," Jones said.

Australian team: Chris Latham, Ben Tune, Matthew Burke, Daniel Herbert, Stirling Mortlock, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), Toutai Kefu, George Smith, Owen Finegan, Justin Harrison, Nathan Sharpe, Patricio Noriega, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young.

Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Matt Cockbain, David Lyons, Chris Whitaker, Elton Flatley, Mat Rogers, Daniel Vickerman.