Wallabies lose Roff and Cockbain
June 8, 2001

The Wallabies have received a double blow ahead of Saturday's match against New Zealand Maori in Sydney, with winger Joe Roff and flanker Matt Cockbain both ruled out of the clash.

Roff's ankle, which he twisted at training on Wednesday night, has not recovered sufficiently, while Cockbain has a severe eye infection, which forced him into hospital.

New South Wales full-back Matt Burke has been given a reprieve and will now come off the bench to play on the wing, while Mark Connors comes into the starting team for Cockbain.

Connors and Burke have been replaced on the bench by Phil Waugh and Graeme Bond.

It was good news for Waugh whose uncle represented New Zealand Maori and is travelling to Sydney for the match.

Australian coach Rod Macqueen said Roff risked serious damage to his ankle if he played tomorrow night at the Sydney Football Stadium.

He is not in doubt for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on June 30.

Even with Burke back in the side, Macqueen said inside centre Elton Flatley would still kick for goal.

Chris Latham has kept Burke out of his preferred full-back position and Andrew Walker beat him to the spot on the wing when the team was named yesterday.

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