Nathan Sharpe replaced injured George Gregan as captain and Chris Whitaker moved into the vacant scrumhalf spot in the Australian line-up announced on Wednesday for the series-opening Tri-Nations rugby union Test against New Zealand.
Sharpe was the mainstay in the second row for the Wallabies last year, playing in 14 Tests. The 26-year-old lock figured in all seven World Cup matches, including the extra-time grand final loss to England.
Gregan (shoulder) and fullback Joe Roff (knee) were injured in the 29-14 win over the combined Pacific Islanders line-up on July 3, forcing two changes to Australia’s starting XV for Saturday’s Test in Wellington.
Whitaker replaced Gregan, with Matt Henjak moving on to the reserve bench as halfback cover in the 22-man squad unveiled by coach Eddie Jones.
Queensland Reds fullback Chris Latham replaced Roff, who was ruled out for six weeks after injuring his right knee against the Islanders.
Clyde Rathbone held his place on the wing ahead of Wendell Sailor, who has recovered from a hamstring problem.
”It’s a tremendous honour to be captain, especially looking at some of the fantastic players that have gone before me,” said Sharpe, who has 25 Test caps since his debut against France in 2002.
”It’s obviously one of the big games and I know the team is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the All Blacks at home in Wellington.”
Flanker Phil Waugh and flyhalf Stephen Larkham were both named as vice-captains.
”Nathan Sharpe has been vice-captain this season and deserves his opportunity to captain Australia,” said Jones.
Whitaker has been a long-serving understudy for Gregan, while Latham was favoured to Matt Burke to take the number 15 shirt.
”Chris Latham has done well off the bench this year and will relish the chance to start this game,” Jones said. Centre Matt Giteau is expected to take over the goalkicking duties in Roff’s absence.
Sharpe is one of nine players from the starting XV that beat New Zealand 22-10 in the World Cup semifinal last November who have retained their places in the run-on team for the Bledisloe Cup match. — Sapa-AP
Australian squad: Chris Latham, Clyde Rathbone, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, Chris Whitaker, David Lyons, Phil Waugh, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Justin Harrison, Al Baxter, Brendan Cannon, Bill Young.
Reserves: Jeremy Paul, Matt Dunning, Dan Vickerman, George Smith, Matt Henjak, Matt Burke, Wendell Sailor.