Australia leave out Campese

Rugby Union

Australia yesterday dropped David Campese, the world record try scorer, for next Saturday's first Test in the Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand. Campese, 32, was overlooked when selectors named a 21-man squad to face the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland, in the first match of the two-Test series. Australia, the holders, will stage the second match in Sydney on 29 July.

Campese's omission signals the possible end of an international career spanning 91 Tests. He made his debut against New Zealand in 1982. After a disappointing World Cup, he failed to hold off the challenge of Joe Roff and Damian Smith for a place in the squad.

The front-row forward Phil Kearns was named captain to replace Michael Lynagh, who retired from Test rugby earlier this month. Troy Coker, who missed the World Cup campaign because of injury, earned a recall.

Australia Squad: Bowen, Burke, Coker, Crowley, Eales, Foley, Gavin, Gregan, Hartill, Horan, Howard, Kearns (capt), Little, Manu, McKenzie, Merrick, Ofahengaue, Roff, Smith, Wilson, Waugh.

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