July 2001 Sport News Headlines

Thursday, July 19, 2001 - Web posted at 13:32:01 GMT

All Blacks make one change for Springbok test

CAPE TOWN - All Black coach Wayne Smith has made just one change to the side that beat France 37-12 last month for the Saturday's Tri-Nations test against the Springboks at Newlands.

Winger Doug Howlett comes into the team, announced yesterday, for Jeff Wilson, who moves to fullback in place of Leon MacDonald.

At flyhalf, Tony Brown was preferred to Andrew Mehrtens as he was against France, despite Mehrtens being cleared to play after going over his ankle in training on Tuesday.

Brown has been keeping Mehrtens on the bench for the entire season and with a tough, physical battle expected, Smith felt the Highlanders player had more to offer the team defensively.

Among the looseforwards, the Highlanders Taine Randell has maintained his place on the flank ahead of Marty Holah from the Chiefs.

The coach and his assistant Tony Gilbert both admitted that the test could be won or lost in the forwards.

"We've got to front up to them," Gilbert said.

"This match is will be a battle among the forwards."

"The Springboks are always going to be tough and although we've heard stories that there are problems in the camp, we don't believe it for a second."

"Team: 15-Jeff Wilson, 14-Doug Howlett, 13-Tana Umaga, 12-Pita Alatini, 11-Jonah Lomu, 10-Tony Brown, 9-Justin Marshall, 8-Ron Cribb, 7-Taine Randell, 6-Reuben Thorne, 5-Troy Flavell, 4-Norm Maxwell, 3-Greg Sommerville, 2-Anton Oliver (captain), 1-Carl Hoeft. - Nampa-Reuters

•  Euro defeat won't affect transfer plans: Rafa
•  NCB announces team for Bermuda
•  League kick-off in September
•  Nadal, Dementieva battle on
•  Fears over Kimi's engine
•  Sport Briefs
•  Phelps wants Bernard challenge
•  Hockey victorious in Botswana
•  Namibia goes for gold at Ball Games
•  Namibia goes for gold at Ball Games
•  Nam not at volley champs
•  Nam not at volley champs
•  Ohangwena to host street soccer