Wallabies ring changes
SYDNEY: Australia have made eight changes to the team that was upset 9-6 by Scotland this week for Saturday’s first Test against Wales in Brisbane.
Coach Robbie Deans, faced with two Tests in one week, always said he would be making major changes, and has overhauled his pack for the first of three matches in successive weeks against the Six Nations champions.
Loosehead prop Benn Robinson, who missed the last international season with injury, returns in a new front row alongside his New South Wales teammates Tatafu Polota-Nau, who starts at hooker, and Sekope Kepu.
Rob Simmons replaces the injured Sitaleki Timani in the second row, while Scott Higginbotham moves to the blindside flanker position to make way for Wycliff Palu at No 8.
Despite the last-gasp defeat in atrocious conditions in Newcastle on Tuesday, Berrick Barnes retains the flyhalf berth left vacant by injuries to James O’Connor, Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper. The versatile Adam Ashley-Cooper returns to the starting side at fullback, while rugby league convert Joe Tomane retains his place on the wing after being one of six new caps blooded against the Scots.
Openside flanker David Pocock has again been named captain in place of lock James Horwill, who was ruled out for the series with a hamstring injury. – Reuters