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Joe Rokocoko doing what he does best

All Black stars return for Wales

29/10/2003
By Derek Tipper

All Black backs Joe Rokocoko and Aaron Mauger will return from injury for the final Pool D match against Wales on Sunday 2 November at Telstra Stadium in Sydney.

The inclusion of the pair offers the Welsh no comfort as both were considered central to the best All Black XV prior to being injured.

Rokocoko suffered a hamstring strain in the 70-7 defeat of Italy in game one and Mauger strained a groin strain before a Tournament ball was kicked in anger.

Mauger has subsequently overcome a sore knee and will make his RWC debut against the Welsh.

Mils Muliaina retains the full back spot, while Leon MacDonald brings his all round skills in defence, attack and goal kicking to the outside centre position, keeping powerhouse Wellington Hurricane Ma'a Nonu on the bench.

Improved Welsh expected

All Blacks coach John Mitchell said he expected a much improved Wales from the team beaten 55-3 by the All Blacks in a Rugby World Cup warm up match in June this year at Hamilton, New Zealand.

"They play with far more width,” Mitchell said. “Collectively they have a greater skill set and are very physical in attack and defence.''

Rokocoko's two week enforced break is probably a bonus for the All Blacks, with the flying winger looking for a big match against the Welsh, Mitchell said.

The coach remains upbeat about the chances of injured vice captain Tana Umaga returning for the quarter finals.

Umaga himself said the knee is responding well to treatment and holding up during training so far.

 

 

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