Weepu Confirmed for All Blacks

Halfback Piri Weepu has been confirmed in the All Blacks starting line-up for Saturday's Tri-Nations test against Australia.

Weepu, who strained a thigh muscle on Wednesday, proved his fitness at the Captain's Run today.

His clearance means Jimmy Cowan, who was brought into the squad as a precaution, returns to Invercargill and will be available for Southland's match against Otago tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Leon MacDonald's availability will be re-assessed tomorrow with a decision on the first five-eighth expected only at match time.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF