Kefu back but Sailor dropped

Kefu had a metal plate inserted in his hand

Wendell Sailor has been dropped from the Australian rugby union squad for the Tri-Nations opener against New Zealand.

But Toutai Kefu, Jeremy Paul and Ben Tune have all been recalled.

Sailor, a former rugby league international, earned two rugby union caps in Australia's recent 2-0 series win over France.

Kefu on the mend

Tune missed the France series with a knee injury but his return to the line-up was expected.

Mat Rogers, another former rugby league international, retained his place on the Wallabies reserves bench for Saturday's Test in Christchurch.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said Sailor was still in contention for the Test squad and had performed well in his initial matches for Australia.

Jones said: "I think Wendell has served Australia well in Ben Tune's absence and he fully understands that he's being replaced by one of the world's best players."

Hooker Jeremy Paul was recalled after missing the last Test with a rib injury.

Powerful number eight Kefu has recovered from a broken hand to take his place at the back of the Australian forward pack for a record-equalling 44th Test.

Sailor expects to be dumped

He had surgery two weeks ago to insert a plate and pin in his left hand.

He said: "My hand is fine and I'm ready to play.

"There's nothing better than playing the All Blacks in New Zealand - it's the highlight of my year."

Australian team: Chris Latham, Ben Tune, Matthew Burke, Daniel Herbert, Stirling Mortlock, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), Toutai Kefu, George Smith, Owen Finegan, Justin Harrison, Nathan Sharpe, Patricio Noriega, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young. Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Matt Cockbain, David Lyons, Chris Whitaker, Elton Flatley, Mat Rogers, Daniel Vickerman.