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'We can't take risks' Roff, Cockbain withdrawn from Wallabies' Maori clash
SYDNEY (Reuters) -- Australian test winger Joe Roff and flanker Matt Cockbain were Friday ruled out of the Wallabies' match against New Zealand Maori through injury. Roff withdrew from Saturday's game, which is taking place at the Sydney Football Stadium, with an ankle problem while Cockbain pulled out because of an eye infection. Matthew Burke was named as Roff's replacement with Mark Connors chosen to take over from Cockbain. Australian coach Rod Macqueen said Roff and Cockbain's injuries were not serious and would not stop them taking part in the forthcoming series against the British and Irish Lions. Australia is using the match against the Maori as a warmup for that series. "It's a bit disappointing to lose someone right on the death like this but certainly our goal has to be the Lions, so we can't take risks," Macqueen said. Wallaby captain John Eales said his players were expecting a torrid, physical clash with the Maori. "New Zealand teams are very physical and we can expect exactly that and the Lions will be that as well. If we didn't have this game we'd be a lot worse off," Eales said. "It should prepare us on a lot of levels -- both our own game and our plan we want to take into the Lions series and also the physical confrontation." The Maori have won their last 21 first-class matches dating back to 1994 and are deadly serious about adding the world champion to their list of victims. Their starting team boasts 11 All Blacks and their preparations for the match against Australia was so intense that two players were involved in a punch-up at training. "It's going to be a test match atmosphere and fever, any clash between a New Zealand side and Australia is going to be full on," Maori hooker Norm Hewitt. "To not have that intensity would be disrespectful to this clash. "Both teams won't be taking a step backwards, it's going to be in your face kind of football. I love it, it's great." Australia: 15-Chris Latham; 14-Andrew Walker, 13-Daniel Herbert, 12-Elton Flatley, 11-Matthew Burke; 10-Stephen Larkham, 9-George Gregan; 8-Toutai Kefu, 7-George Smith, 6-Mark Connors, 5-John Eales (captain), 4-David Giffin; 3-Glenn Panoho, 2-Jeremy Paul, 1-Nick Stiles. New Zealand Maori: 15-Carlos Spencer; 14-Roger Randle, 13-Caleb Ralph, 12-Daryl Gibson, 11-Bruce Reihana; 10-Glen Jackson, 9-Rhys Duggan; 8-Deon Muir (captain), 7-Taine Randell, 6-Troy Flavell, 5-Mark Cooksley, 4-Norm Maxwell, 3-Deacon Manu, 2-Norm Hewitt, 1-Greg Feek.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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