Injury keeps Umaga out of Australia game

New Zealand coach John Mitchell today named an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against Australia…

New Zealand coach John Mitchell today named an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against Australia.

The most notable line was the non-selection once again of Tana Umaga, who Mitchell and his sidekick Robbie Deans declared was "not sharp enough".

Umaga ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament in New Zealand's opening game of the tournament but has remained with the squad throughout and had initial hopes of returning for the quarter-finals.

But his lack of match fitness proved costly as Mitchell opted for the same XV that began last weekend's showdown with South Africa, with Leon MacDonald retaining the outside centre role.

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Mitchell's only tinkering was to bring scrum-half Byron Kelleher onto the bench in place of Steve Devine.

"This is Australia, they are defending champions, this is their country and we never underestimate Australia," added Mitchell. "They are very organised and very structured and if we don't respond we will lose."

Australia must go into the game without Matt Giteau, and Nathan Grey takes his place as Australia's solitary change from the 22 on duty against Scotland.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones had better news about flanker George Smith, who suffered a shoulder injury during Australia's quarter-final victory over Scotland in Brisbane last weekend.

Smith was today named in the starting line-up, and Jones is confident that he will not be forced to withdraw.

Lock David Giffin has been bracketed with Daniel Vickerman on the bench, subject to Giffin proving his fitness. He suffered a thigh strain last week, and withdrew from the Scotland game just hours before kick-off.

New Zealand(v Australia ): M Muliaina; D Howlett, L MacDonald, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, J Marshall; D Hewett, K Mealamu, G Somerville, C Jack, A Williams, R Thorne (captain), R McCaw, J Collins. Replacements: M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, M Holah, B Kelleher, D Carter, C Ralph.

Australia: M Rogers; W Sailor, S Mortlock, E Flatley, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (capt); B Young, B Cannon, B Darwin, J Harrison, N Sharpe, G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons. Replacements: J Paul, A Baxter, D Giffin or D Vickerman, M Cockbain, C Whitaker, N Grey, J Roff.