George Smith will captain a Wallabies line-up containing three changes, including the return of rugged backrower Rocky Elsom, for Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash against New Zealand.
Both sides are coming off losses in South Africa and desperate to make amends in the second of four Bledisloe Tests between the arch-rivals this season. New Zealand won the opening match 22-16 in Auckland, which also doubled as the Tri-Nations series opener.
Smith was elevated to the captaincy after Stirling Mortlock was sidelined due to an injury he sustained in the 29-17 loss to the Springboks at Cape Town on Aug. 8. Mortlock’s absence also forced a positional and a personnel change, with teenager James O’Connor coming into the starting XV at fullback to cover for Adam Ashley-Cooper, who switched to outside centre in place of the injured Australia captain.
Elsom’s return - he has overcome a knee injury after returning from a stint with Ireland’s European Cup winners Leinster - also caused a reshuffle in Australia’s backrow. With Elsom on the blindside flank, Richard Brown switched from the side to the back of the scrum and No. 8 Wycliff Palu was dropped to the bench.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he was satisfied Elsom was ready to return to the international arena after missing five Test matches this season.
"While he hasn’t been able to get a game in, Rocky has done the work to get back up to speed," said Deans. "He is good to go.
"It is a big ask of him to make his comeback in a Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations Test, but that’s the reality of our schedule, and is the sort of challenge he thrives on."
Australia has lost both its opening matches in the Tri-Nations, with ill-discipline at the breakdown and poor lineout execution costing heavily against them against the Springboks in Cape Town.
After coming back to win over Australia at Auckland on July 18, New Zealand lost twice on the road in South Africa.
James O’Connor, Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Richard Brown, George Smith (captain), Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Will Genia, Ryan Cross, Peter Hynes.
