Australia have recalled flanker George Smith for Saturday’s Grand Slam tour opener against England at Twickenham.The openside, who will earn his 107th cap, appeared as a replacement in last Saturday’s 32-19 defeat by New Zealand in Tokyo and replaces David Pocock, who is demoted to the bench.
Coach Robbie Deans has selected a new-look midfield partnership in Digby Ioane and Quade Cooper.
Both Wallabies have limited experience at centre — Ioane has played most of his rugby as a winger while Cooper scored 16 points at outhalf in Tuesday’s 36-5 win over Gloucester.
Drew Mitchell has been handed the number 11 jersey after scoring two tries at Kingsholm while Adam Ashley Cooper returns at 15.
Fullback James O’Connor and centre Ryan Cross drop to the bench but Stephen Moore has held off the challenge of Tatafu Polota-Nau at hooker.
In total there are only eight survivors from the team that beat England 28-14 in last year’s Cook Cup clash at Twickenham, including outhalf Matt Giteau.
Former Leinster backrow Rocky Elsom, who was in sensational form during last season’s Heineken Cup, captains the team.
Australia finished bottom of this season’s Tri-Nations table for the first time since 2005 and arrive at Twickenham with just one victory from their last six matches.
It is their first Grand Slam tour since their successful trip in 1984, but the odds are against them repeating that achievement this year.
Reports have emerged of division within the camp as they negotiate a challenging rebuilding phase ahead of the 2011 World Cup, while a disgruntled Australian public are growing apathetic over their lack of success.
Deans has not been helped by the loss of three of the Wallabies’ biggest names in centre Berrick Barnes, lock Nathan Sharpe and back row Phil Waugh to injury.
Former captain Stirling Mortlock is nursing a calf strain and will miss the England clash but is expected to return against Ireland eight days later.
AUSTRALIA (v England):Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau; Will Genia; Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Mark Chisholm, Rocky Elsom (capt), George Smith, Wycliff Palu.
Replacements:Tatafu Polota Nau, Matt Dunning, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Luke Burgess, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor.
