Australia coach Robbie Deans has made four changes to Australia’s starting side to play Saturday’s historic Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Japan. Former Leinster flanker Rocky Elsom will captain the side in Tokyo.
Wingers Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes, centre Ryan Cross and number eight Wycliff Palu are the new faces from the side that lost the closing Tri-Nations match in New Zealand.
Adam Ashley-Cooper has reverted from centre to fullback in the place of James O’Connor.
O’Connor is listed among the replacements, alongside George Smith while Matt Dunning also makes his return from injury and takes his place amongst the substitutes.
Dunning and Ioane, who have both been sidelined by injury this year, have not featured for the Wallabies since last year’s November tour of Europe.
“Returning Adam to fullback helps with the balance of the side,” Deans said. “It is not a slight on the performance of James O’Connor at all. He’s already had a big year, which it must be remembered has been his first at this level. We’re wary of over-exposing James and will be looking to manage his involvements through this tour.”
Ashley-Cooper’s relocation, plus the absence of former captain Stirling Mortlock due to a torn calf, has opened the way for Cross to return at centre, where he played during the Test win over the All Blacks in Sydney last year.
While the match will be a big occasion personally for Australia’s new skipper, Elsom says it is a massive event for the entire touring party.
“None of us were happy with our most recent performance,” Elsom said. “This is the first Bledisloe Cup Test to have been played in Japan and our final opportunity against the All Blacks for the year, so it’s vital for us to produce a complete performance.”
Elsom added it was important for the confidence of his touring group that they maximised their opportunities this weekend.
“That’s not something we have done of late, and we know more than anyone that it is critical,” Elsom said.
Luke McAlister is the only player unavailable for New Zealand. The centre has been ruled out with an ankle injury he suffered while training with his provincial team a couple of weeks ago.
Coach Graham Henry has indicated the team, which he will name tomorrow, will be similar to the one that defeated Robbie Deans’ men 33-6 last month.
“It will be a strong side on Saturday and similar to the side that played in Wellington,” Henry said. “Everyone’s available apart from Luke McAlister probably. He’s still got that ankle injury. If we really pushed him he could be available but there’s no point.”
Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper; Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane; Matt Giteau, Will Genia; Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Luke Burgess, Drew Mitchell, James O'Connor.
