Blades added to Test squad

Andrew Blades has been added to the Australian squad for next Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby union clash with New Zealand in Auckland.

Blades is in as cover for veteran prop Dan Crowley, who strained a calf muscle and Achilles tendon during the Australian's 32-6 win over the Springboks. However, even if Crowley is passed fit Australia might revert to the same front line that started against Ireland and England with the bigger Glenn Panoho in his place.

The Test 22 will be named later in the week but the starting team will probably be unchanged. Coach Rod Macqueen said the Wallabies would need to be at their best to beat the All Blacks, who are also undefeated this season.

"The All Blacks are in the strong position of having all of their players fully fit, rested and ready to play," Macqueen said.

All Black wing Christian Cullen should have no problems for Saturday's match despite breaking his nose in a collision in training on Sunday.

"It will be a bit sore for the next couple of days, but it will settle down and I have no doubt he will be OK to play," team doctor John Mayhew said. Cullen will not wear a guard.

"Nose guards don't seem to work and I think that once the swelling goes down and the nasal function returns to normal he will be reasonably comfortable," Mayhew said.

Daryl Gibson, who strained medial ligaments against South Africa a fortnight ago, is likely to be available.

The Squads

AUSTRALIA: Dan Crowley, Andrew Blades, Glenn Panoho, Patricio Noriega, Jeremy Paul, Phil Kearns, David Giffin, John Welborn, Mark Connors, Matt Cockbain, David Wilson (capt), Tiaan Strauss, Toutai Kefu, George Gregan, Chris Whitaker, Tim Horan, Nathan Grey, Daniel Herbert, Jason Little, Chris Latham, Joe Roff, Ben Tune, Matthew Burke

NEW ZEALAND: Pita Alatini, Tony Brown, Christian Cullen, Daryl Gibson, Alama Ieremia, Byron Kelleher, Jonah Lomu, Justin Marshall, Andrew Mehrtens, Tana Umaga, Jeff Wilson, Andrew Blowers, Robin Brooke, Greg Feek, Mark Hammett, Carl Hoeft, Josh Kronfeld, Norm Maxwell, Kees Meeuws, Dylan Mika, Anton Oliver, Taine Randell (capt), Royce Willis.

Wales and Lions star Neil Jenkins finally ended weeks of speculation yesterday and signed a fouryear-deal worth a reputed £700,000 with Cardiff after deciding to quit Pontypridd.

Jenkins is rumoured to be on a contract worth £125,000 a year at Cardiff with the Arms Park club also believed to have paid a £200,000 transfer fee.