DURBAN, 16 July 2003 — Utility back Aaron Mauger will play his first Test in 11 months when New Zealand take on South Africa in the Tri-Nations in Pretoria on Saturday.
Mauger will win his 12th cap at inside center in place of Daniel Carter in a New Zealand line-up that shows three changes from the side that beat France 31-23 in Christchurch on June 28.
In the other changes, Keven Mealamu starts at hooker in place of Anton Oliver while Carl Hoeft takes Dave Hewett’s place at loosehead prop. Carter has been relegated to the bench. Mauger, 22, last donned an All Black jersey on Aug. 10 last year, when New Zealand beat South Africa 30-23 in Durban.
A heel injury he sustained during the 2003 Super 12 prompted New Zealand’s management to rest him for the first three Tests of the season, all played in June.
“We’ve been smart with Aaron’s preparation,” New Zealand coach John Mitchell told reporters.
“We’ve been mindful of his injury and of the fact that he hasn’t had an opportunity to do a lot of base work.
“We could have played him in June, but we decided he would benefit more through the kind of preparation we had for him.”
The versatile Mauger filled four backline positions for the Crusaders in the Super 12 this year and is a recognized place kicker.
Williams Quits
Welsh Team
In London, Welsh lock Steve Williams has turned his back on international rugby, the player said yesterday.
The 32-year-old former Swansea, Neath, Cardiff and London Irish player — now at Northampton Saints — told his national coach Steve Hansen of his decision ahead of this week’s Rugby Union World Cup Preliminary Squad fitness testing. “I feel the time has come to step down from the international scene and concentrate on playing for my club,” Williams said in a statement. He was capped 28 times by Wales.
