Feeling fine
Roff to play in Wallabies' World Cup match
Posted: Monday September 21, 1998 08:36 PM
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Macqueen: "We've got to be careful we don't underestimate these teams..." Craig Prentis/Allsport |
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) -- Fullback Joe Roff has recovered
from injury and is included in the Australian team for Tuesday's
rugby union World Cup South Pacific qualifier against Tonga in
Canberra.
Roff, 23, was doubtful after injuring his ribs in the
Wallabies' win over Fiji on Friday in the opening round of the
eight-day tournament.
On Monday national coach Rod Macqueen said Roff would
take his place in the side to face Tonga at Bruce Stadium.
Doubts, however, surround hooker Jeremy Paul, named on
Sunday for his first start for Australia. Paul is suffering from
a slight virus.
Veteran hooker Phil Kearns has also been taken off the
reserves bench with a recurring knee injury.
Macqueen said he was hopeful Paul would be fit but has
called Queensland's Michael Foley into the reserves as a
precaution.
Australia beat Fiji 66-20 in its opening match.
Fiji takes on Samoa in Tuesday's other qualifying match in
Canberra. Samoa beat Tonga 28-20 on Friday.
Macqueen is looking for another strong performance on
Tuesday.
"We've got to be careful we don't underestimate these teams
because any one of them is capable of beating us on the day,"
Macqueen said.
"Tonga probably doesn't have the discipline that Samoa has,
but that makes them a harder team to play because they're all
over the field and if they catch us one out, they're very strong
penetrative runners. We've got to be very careful and mindful of
that."
Tonga has made three changes for the match against
Australia. Fe'ao Vunipola has been ruled out with a neck injury, with
his place going to Ma'afu Pale. Nili Utti has been omitted, with
Semi Taupeaafe moving from the wing to outside center. Pita Tanginona comes in on the wing.
Fiji and Samoa announced no changes for Tuesday's clash.
The final round of the series will be played in Brisbane on
Saturday when Australia face Samoa and Tonga play Fiji.
Australia roster
15-Joe Roff; 14-Jason Little, 13-Daniel Herbert,
12-Tim Horan, 11-Mitch Hardy; 10-Manuel Edmonds, 9-Chris
Whitaker; 8-Toutai Kefu, 7-Brett Robinson, 6-Owen Finegan;
5-John Welborn, 4-John Eales (captain), 3-Glenn Panoho, 2-Jeremy
Paul, 1-Dan Crowley. Reserves: George Gregan, Nathan Grey,
Stephen Larkham, Matthew Cockbain, David Wilson, Andrew Blades,
Michael Foley.
Tonga
15-Piea Hola; 14-Pita Tanginona, 13-Semi Taupeaafe,
12-Sione Ngauamo, 11-Taunaholo Taufahema; 10-Sione Tai, 9-Sione
Tu'ipuluto; 8-Ben Hur Kivalu, 7-Matt Te Pou, 6-Hingano Fakatou,
5-Pouvalua Latukefu, 4-Falamani Mafi, 3-Uiniati Moa, 2-Ma'afu
Pale, 1-Ngalu Ta'u. Reserves: Sililo Marten, Brian Wooley,
Semisa Faka'ofi'folau, Unalaoto Fa'a, Fololisi Masila, David
Edwards, Joe Sitoa.
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