OWN CORRESPONDENT, Brisbane | Monday 10.00am.
FULLBACK Matthew Burke on Monday was named in the Australian rugby union team to play South Africa in Brisbane next weekend.
Burke, who is on the comeback trail after shoulder surgery at the end of last season, showed he was fast returning to his best by scoring 23 points in the Australian Barbarians’ 33-24 defeat of New Zealand A last Saturday.
Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen confirmed Burke would be promoted from the bench to replace Chris Latham after proving his return to form and full fitness.
But Macqueen has delayed naming the rest of his starting side until Tuesday due to injury concerns, instead announcing only his squad of players.
In the only change to the squad, Queensland forward Mark Connors was included at the expense of Jim Williams.
Glenn Panoho, Andrew Blades and veteran Jason Little are all in doubt through injury. Macqueen said Burke’s goalkicking skills had helped him win back the spot from Latham. ”We’re satisfied with his return to football and we really do need a world class goal-kicker,” Macqueen told reporters.
”It’s unfortunate for Chris Latham but I’m sure he’ll handle the disappointment and make a big contribution from the bench.”
Australia squad: Matt Burke, Chris Latham, Ben Tune, Joe Roff, Jason Little, Nathan Grey, Daniel Herbert, Tim Horan, Chris Whittaker, George Gregan, Tiaan Strauss, Toutai Kefu, David Wilson, Matt Cockbain, Mark Connors, David Giffin, John Welborn, Glenn Panoho/Andrew Blades, Patricio Noriega, Phil Kearns, Jeremy Paul, Dan Crowley. — Reuters