Woodcock cleared to play

Source: Agencies  |   2008-11-21  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

NEW Zealand prop Tony Woodcock was cleared by a judicial hearing on Wednesday to play Wales in their rugby test this weekend.

Woodcock was sinbinned for punching Ireland hooker Rory Best last weekend at Dublin and admitted to the offense at an International Rugby Board disciplinary hearing in Dublin. But IRB judicial officer, Scottish professor Lorne Crerar, decided no further penalty was warranted.

If he can also recover from a lower back injury, Woodcock was free to line up with the All Blacks at Millennium Stadium tomorrow. Either Neemia Tialata or John Afoa will be the tighthead prop, depending on Tialata's illness.

The only confirmed change from the team which handled Ireland 22-3 at Croke Park was at center, where Richard Kahui was in for Conrad Smith, who aggravated a groin injury.

Winger Joe Rokocoko was the only starter who featured in the 18-16 win over European club champion Munster on Tuesday.

Wales selected the same side which lost 15-20 to South Africa on November 8, and even though the Red Dragons haven't beaten the All Blacks in 55 years, New Zealand coach Graham Henry wasn't taking his former team lightly.

"I am expecting the kitchen sink from Wales. They are a proven side, and we are expecting a tough contest," he said.