OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cardiff | Monday 1.15pm.
FORMER Springbok star Tiaan Strauss was Monday named in the Australian side to face Wales in the first World Cup quarter-final at the Millennium Stadium.
Strauss replaces the suspended Toutai Kefu at number eight in one of three changes to the Wallaby side which beat Ireland 23-3 last week before a second-string team was used against the United States.
Strauss, a former South African skipper, won out over Kefu’s Queensland teammate Mark Connors and Jim Williams.
“Obviously he’s played at number eight a lot this year, so it’s a minimal disruption for us, even though Kefu is an integral part of our plans,” coach Rod Macqueen said. “Strauss’ running ability tipped it in his favour.”
Connors goes back to the bench following Cockbain’s recovery, while captain John Eales returns after recovering from a groin strain he suffered during the match against Ireland. “To get Cockbain and Eales back is a bonus since we were concerned over their fitness,” admitted Macqueen. “Wales have a very good scrum and there’s nothing like experience in that situation.”
Macqueen has used Strauss in the key role in training since Australia arrived in the Welsh capital at the weekend.
Strauss, who left South Africa a disappointed man four years ago after being dropped before the triumphant 1995 World Cup campaign due to a personality clash with coach Kitch Christie, is considered the safest choice with his vast experience in the role.
He filled the role adequately while coming off the bench for Kefu in the domestic test series this year, including scoring three tries in his debut test for Australia against Ireland in Brisbane.
A veteran of 15 Tests for South Africa, Strauss played two years of rugby league with Cronulla after moving to Australia and believes some of the skills learned in the rival code have made him a more valuable rugby player for Macqueen’s side.
“I learned a lot about defence and ball-handling skills,” said Strauss.
“You don’t spend a lot of time on those skills in rugby because you’re doing rucking and line-out drills.
“I never thought I’d be back for another World Cup but here I am, and I’m very keen to make the most of my chances for Australia.” — AFP
Team:
Matt Burke; Ben Tune, Daniel Herbert, Tim Horan, Joe Roff; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan; Tiaan Strauss, David Wilson, Matt Cockbain, John Eales (capt), David Giffin, Andrew Blades, Michael Foley, Richard Harry.