All Blacks: Two cut from squad for Melbourne

Rene Ranger is one of two players to be axed from the All Blacks for their next test in Melbourne. Photo / Getty Images

One minute you can be scoring a spectacular Tri-Nations try just inside the left-hand corner flag - the next you can find yourself dropped from the squad.

That's the facts of life for Northland's newest All Black, Rene Ranger.

Ranger and flanker Liam Messam have been excluded from the All Blacks' squad to play Australia in the Tri-Nations rugby test in Melbourne on July 31.

Ranger, who scored a try in his starting debut on the wing as the All Blacks beat South Africa 31-17 in Wellington last Saturday, makes way for Joe Rokocoko, who has recovered from a hamstring strain.

Victor Vito, who sat out that match because of a calf injury, replaces Messam, who started that game off the reserves bench.

Prop John Afoa and lock Anthony Boric also make the squad of 26 after watching from the stands in Wellington.

Blues halfback Alby Mathewson will also assemble with the squad as cover for Piri Weepu, who is preparing for the arrival of his first child.

Some of the All Blacks have also been made available to their provinces for pre-season matches ahead of the national provincial championship.

They are Afoa (Auckland), Boric (North Harbour), Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Messam (Waikato), Ranger (Northland), Benson Stanley (Auckland) and Vito (Wellington).

SQUAD

Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Victor Vito, Samuel Whitelock and Tony Woodcock.

Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Josevata Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley and Piri Weepu. Alby Mathewson will also assemble with the squad as cover.

- NZPA