Fresh faces part of an expansive approach

IN A bid to consign those dark days of Australian rugby to history, eight uncapped players feature among a Wallabies squad tasked with retrieving the Bledisloe Cup and eventually replacing the All Blacks as world champions in 2015.

Ewen McKenzie, the latest intended architect of the All Blacks’ downfall, savoured success in his third trans-Tasman test as a front rower and hopes that a new generation of Wallabies can better that achievement at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Although the 30-man roster has amassed 575 tests worth of experience, McKenzie is clearly planning for the short and medium term by introducing a range of new talent to cover injuries, overseas departures and, arguably most importantly, implement an expansive game plan.

Of the debutants-in-waiting only reserve halfback Nic White and loosehead prop Scott Sio look assured of featuring when the lineup to tackle the All Blacks is announced on Thursday.

Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley vie to backup Quade Cooper, while loose forwards Scott Fardy, Jake Schatz and Fijian-born centre Tevita Kuridrani have another week in camp to make a favour- able impression.

Wellington-born front rower Albert Anae, who was expecting to play for Bay of Plenty in the national provincial championship, was also retained when the initial squad of 38 was trimmed yesterday.

The specialist loosehead also covers hooker while Tatafu Polota-Nau nurses a hamstring strain.