Rugby: Rugby League convert Brad Thorn will make his first start for New Zealand in this weekend's Tri-nations match against South Africa after he was named yesterday as one of five replacements to the line-up.
The lock returned to the All Black squad this season after spurning an opportunity to tour Ireland, Scotland and Argentina in 2001 and has been used by coach John Mitchell as an impact player late in the game.
However, Thorn was named as a surprise replacement for Chris Jack as Mitchell made wholesale changes to the All Black forwards from the side that trounced Australia two weeks ago.
As well as Thorn's inclusion, New Zealand will go into Saturday's game with an entirely new front row of Kees Meeuws, Mark Hammett and Carl Hoeft instead of Dave Hewett, Keven Mealamu and Greg Somerville.
The fifth change brings in Marty Holah on the openside flank in place of Richard McCaw.
Leon MacDonald has been named in the squad for the first time this season after recovering from a blow to the head in the Super 12 final in May.
Also making a return to the bench, is Otago scrumhalf Byron Kelleher at the expense of Steve Devine.
South Africa are expected to name their team tomorrow.
NEW ZEALAND: M Muliaina; D Howlett, T Umaga, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, J Marshall; C Hoeft, M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, A Williams, R Thorne (capt), M Holah, J Collins. Replacements: K Mealamu, D Hewett, C Jack, R So'oialo, B Kelleher, D Carter, L MacDonald.
The Six Nations Committee issued a statement last night confirming they had postponed all A internationals.
The announcement follows last season's withdrawal of Wales and Scotland from the A competition as they looked to ease their growing financial problems.
Incoming Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett wasted no time in pulling the plug on Wales's involvement in a bid to save cash and Scotland quickly followed suit, announcing they would not take part in 2004.
Moffett's decision was unpopular both at home and with the other Six Nations unions who have used the A internationals to blood Test players.
But Scotland's subsequent exit left just four teams in the competition, prompting the Six Nations Committee to postpone all A matches for next year.
"The Committee remains committed to international competition below full national team level, and the Under-21 tournament in particular, is recognised as an essential element of the season," the committee's statement read.
"However, a full review of the future of the A team and other sub-full national team matches will be undertaken during the coming months to determine what continuing part they have within the international rugby calendar."
