McCaw to miss Samoa test

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw will miss Wednesday's one-off rugby test against Samoa because of a rib injury, team officials said Monday.

McCaw, who suffered the injury during the All Blacks' 19-0 Tri-Nations win over South Africa in Cape Town two weeks ago, has been replaced at flanker by Adam Thomson. No. 8 Rodney So'oialo will lead the New Zealand team in McCaw's absence.

Lock Brad Thorn and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu will also miss the match in New Plymouth because of injuries. Thorn has a hamstring strain and Sivivatu a twisted ankle.

Anthony Boric was named Monday to replace Thorn and Anthony Tuitavake will take Sivivatu's place on the left wing.

Wednesday's game is designed to give the All Blacks match play between the Cape Town test and the final and deciding Tri-Nations test against Australia at Brisbane on Sept. 13.

Lock Filipo Levi was named later Monday to lead an understrength Samoa team. Many of Samoa's leading players are unavailable because they are involved in European club competitions.

Levi is one of three Japan-based players in the Samoan forward pack. The majority of the team is Samoa-based, including the entire backline which is drawn from three clubs, Apia, Apia West and Tuamasaga.

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Teams:

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Anthony Tuitavake, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Sione Lauaki, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf.

Samoa: Alatasi Tupou, Reupena Levasa, Pale Toelupe, Jerry Meafou, Esera Lauina, Uale Mai, Notise Tauafao, George Stowers, Alafoti Faosiliva, Semo Sititi, Chad Slade, Filipo Levi (captain), Heroshi Tea, Loleni Tafunai, Simon Lemalu. Reserves: Lafoga Aoelua, Roysiu Tolufale, Maselino Paulino, Simaika Mikaele, Junior Poluleuligaga, Roger Warren, Romi Ropati.