/ 8 August 2003

Hoeft out of All Blacks side to face SA

New Zealand prop Carl Hoeft has withdrawn from the All Blacks side to face South Africa in the Tri Nations test at Carisbrook, officials said on Friday.

Hoeft, who twisted a calf during training on Thursday, will be replaced by Dave Hewett with Greg Sommerville being drafted on to the reserves bench.

It was the second time this season Hoeft has been forced to pull out of a New Zealand team.

He withdrew from contention on the eve of the away Test against South Africa in Pretoria after suffering a groin strain. – Sapa-AFP