Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has responded to his side’s shock loss to Scotland, making eight changes to the starting line-up for the first Test against Wales in Brisbane.
fox sports
In the front row, New South Wales Waratahs trio Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu are a straight swap for James Slipper, Stephen Moore and Dan Palmer while Rob Simmons moves off the bench to partner Nathan Sharpe in the second row.
Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu has also been named to play his first Test since last year’s Rugby World Cup, with the damaging ball-runner forcing Scott Higginbotham to blindside breakaway.
Deans has persisted with the halves combination of Will Genia and Berrick Barnes but opted for a new centre pairing of Pat McCabe and Rob Horne.
Digby Ioane and Joe Tomane, too, have maintained their spots on the wings but Adam Ashley-Cooper has been named at fullback in place of Luke Morahan.
The full team:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Joe Tomane, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Pat McCabe, 11. Digby Ioane, 10. Berrick Barnes, 9. Will Genia, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Higginbotham , 5. Nathan Sharpe, 4. Rob Simmons, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. Tatafu Polota Nau, 1. Benn Robinson
Reserves: 16. Stephen Moore, 17. Ben Alexander, 18. Dave Dennis, 19. Michael Hooper, 20. Nic White, 21. Anthony Fainga’a, 22. Mike Harris
Tomane went off for a scan after rolling over his ankle at practice today, and worries over Pocock, who sat out most of the days training. Hooper ran in his place.
I’m beginning to think I should have gone for Wales!!!!