Recalled Lomu unlikely to start

Jonah Lomu will rejoin the All Blacks squad today but is unlikely to make the starting 15 for the Tri Nations Test with South Africa next Saturday.

Lomu was impressive in the New Zealand A win over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night, although All Black coach John Hart said yesterday it was unlikely Lomu would start against South Africa.

"There is nothing holding Jonah back from being in the squad and evidently he played very well against ACT, but it is unlikely he will make the playing 15," said Hart.

"You've got to look at the current back three (Tana Umaga, Jeff Wilson and Christian Cullen) and you can see the competition Jonah is up against."

Hart dismissed rumours that Lomu had been approached by Australian rugby league side Melbourne Storm. Hart is expected to name his side today.

Scotland Narrowly lost the last match of their South African tour in Johannesburg on Saturday, going down 33-31 to the provincial Lions, despite a determined fight in the second half. The Lions side led 30-11 at half-time.

Scotland started well with out-half Duncan Hodge kicking a penalty in the second minute. South Africa answered with a try from Kobus Engelbrecht in the seventh minute to give the Lions a 7-3 lead.

Scot Craig Joiner delivered another try in the 12th minute but the rest of the second half was basically the Lions' game.

The Scottish side fought back in the second half and were only two points down with five minutes left, when Scotland full back Glenn Metcalfe tried to go it alone and was tackled just metres out from the line.

Scotland won two of the four games they played during their tour.

Italy's rugby federation yesterday appointed Massimo Mascioletti as their new coach following the resignation of Frenchman Georges Coste in the wake of their disastrous South African tour.

Mascioletti, 41, made his rugby debut at the age of just 15 for Aquila, where he spent his entire club career. Capped 54 times by Italy, he was captain on nine occasions and scored 17 tries.