Roundup

Wallabies call up Freier for banned Cannon against South Africa

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) -- Hooker Adam Freier could end a 12-month hiatus from test rugby union against South Africa next weekend after being called into the Australian squad Wednesday to replace suspended hooker Brendan Cannon.

Freier is expected to come off the bench to play his first test since a 50-21 loss to New Zealand last July when Australia meets the Springboks in Perth on July 31.

He is the only new member of the extended 28-man test squad which reassembled in Coffs Harbour at the Wallabies training camp in northern New South Wales state.

Both Freier (knee injury) and skipper George Gregan (shoulder) won't train fully until Sunday, while flanker George Smith, set for a starting recall, is carrying a minor hip problem and winger Mark Gerrard continues his recovery from a torn hamstring.

Cannon's two-week suspension for punching opposite number Keven Mealamu in the 16-7 loss to the All Blacks on Saturday has given Freier, who debuted in November 2002, the chance for a start after a disappointing year.

After missing World Cup selection, the 24-year-old with six caps has played behind Cannon for the New South Wales Waratahs, where he was regarded the No. 1 hooker for much of the 2003 Super 12.

Australian coach Eddie Jones said there was no change of focus in preparations after being dominated up front in Wellington. But he admitted the set piece was in urgent need of improvement.

"It's a high priority," he said Wednesday. "It's been given ample time and it will be given the same amount of time, but obviously it's a priority that we get it fixed."

Australian squad: Alastair Baxter, Matthew Burke, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Adam Freier, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, George Gregan, Nathan Grey, Justin Harrison, Nic Henderson, Matt Henjak, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, David Lyons, Stirling Mortlock, Jeremy Paul, Clyde Rathbone, John Roe, Wendell Sailor, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Lote Tuqiri, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Chris Whitaker, Bill Young.

Veteran du Randt pays tribute to Springbok coach

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters) -- Springbok prop Os du Randt has paid tribute to South Africa coach Jake White for the role he played in bringing him out of retirement.

Du Randt, the sole surviving member of the 1995 World Cup-winning team in South Africa's squad for this year's Tri-nations series, returned to the international arena last month against Ireland after a five-year absence.

"When Jake started, he spoke to me and I thought I might have a chance again," du Randt, 31, told reporters on Wednesday.

"But he said I'd have to prove myself, play in the Super 12 and that I was not going to get in just because he wanted me there. I had to earn it.

"I played in the Super 12 (for the Cats) and it didn't go that well, but luckily he backed me and here I am."

White, who had been South Africa's under-21 coach, replaced Rudolf Straeuli as national coach in February.

He recalled du Randt for the two-test series against Ireland in South Africa last month, followed by a one-off international against Wales.

According to White, the big prop made an immediate impact -- both on and off the field.

'GREATEST LOOSEHEAD'

"He's probably the greatest loosehead prop we've ever produced in South Africa and in 1995 he was one of the guys who won the World Cup," said White.

"Look at how much weight he's lost (eight kilograms), the condition he's in and the impact he has made, not only on but also off the field. He's enjoying it again and that's very important to us.

"I thought that we had to try and get the balance right in our team between experience and youth. He's definitely one guy who can add value.

"It's probably why I went to see him earlier this year, and I'm just glad he's taken this opportunity."

Du Randt had last played for his country in 1999. The following year, he quit the game because of an injured left knee and mental fatigue.

"I took a complete break, bought a farm and had nothing to do with the game," the veteran prop said. "When anything rugby-wise came on television I switched it over to another channel. I was really mentally tired.

"But, after a year, I started looking again and was thinking that I hadn't had a good season from 1998 and that was not the way I wanted to end it.

"My initial thoughts were to play for Free State (province) again and at least end on a good note. But luckily I'm back in the national side again."

Rokocoko latest All Black to succumb to gastric flu

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters) -- Winger Joe Rokocoko became the latest member of the All Blacks to succumb to gastric flu on Wednesday, though team management said its influence on the squad seemed to be abating.

Rokocoko sat out training on Wednesday as he suffered the nausea and diarrhoea that affected scrumhalf Justin Marshall, centre Daniel Carter, prop Kees Meeuws, hooker Keven Mealamu, fullback Mils Muliaina and Carlos Spencer earlier in the week.

"He (Rokocoko) has elected to stay home in bed today but we are hoping that he will be back on deck tomorrow," said All Blacks doctor Graham Paterson.

Carter, who missed training on Tuesday, was back on Wednesday and the bracket around him and Sam Tuitupou for the Tri-nations test against South Africa on Saturday has been removed.

Paterson said he had no idea what had caused the outbreak, but the All Blacks were grateful it struck early in the week. It was unlikely any players selected for the test would still be affected by Saturday.

"We've instituted a strict regime of hand washing and we're confident of beating this bug," said Paterson.

Both the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.