Wallabies prop Ben Alexander will play his first Test since suffering a knee injury in June when he packs down against the All Blacks in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong.
Alexander was ruled out until after the Tri-Nations series by the injury, suffered in Australia’s win over Fiji in their first Test of the season in Canberra.
“It’s great to see Ben back after what’s been a pretty frustrating period for him,” Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said.
“Having been injured in our first outing of the year, he’s had to sit and watch since, but he’s worked hard and he’s ready to go.”
Alexander is one of two changes to the Wallabies’ run-on side, with winger Drew Mitchell returning from a hamstring problem after missing the 23-22 loss to New Zealand in Sydney last month.
His replacement in that match, Lachie Turner, has been rewarded for an impressive performance with a bench spot.
Dropping out of the 22 are prop Salesi Ma’afu, reserve back Anthony Fainga’a and reserve hooker Huia Edmonds, who makes way for Saia Fainga’a’s return from suspension.
“This Test is very important, not only in terms of signing off on this year’s Bledisloe Cup fixtures, but is also important as an entry point into our European excursion,” Deans said.
“For that reason alone it’s important that we start well.”
Australia:
15. Kurtley Beale, 14. James O’Connor, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12. Matt Giteau, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Will Genia, 8. Ben McCalman, 7. David Pocock, 6. Rocky Elsom (captain), 5. Nathan Sharpe, 4. Mark Chisholm, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16. Saia Faingaa, 17. James Slipper, 18. Dean Mumm, 19. Richard Brown, 20. Luke Burgess, 21. Berrick Barnes, 22. Lachie Turner
New Zealand:
15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. Joe Rokocoko, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (captain), 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16. Hikawera Elliot, 17. John Afoa, 18. Samuel Whitelock, 19. Daniel Braid, 20. Alby Mathewson, 21. Stephen Donald, 22. Isaia Toeava