Prop Benn Robinson will make his debut and wing Cameron Shepherd his first start in two changes Australian coach John Connolly has made to his team for Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test against South Africa.
Shepherd replaces Lote Tuqiri, who was suspended for a dangerous tackle in Australia’s 34-27 defeat by New Zealand in Auckland on August 19. The 28-year-old Western Force back has made three appearances off the bench for the Wallabies, all at the start of the 2006 season.
The 22-year-old Robinson comes in for Greg Holmes on the loosehead side of the Australian scrum, with Wallaby forwards coach Michael Foley saying the youngest member of their squad deserved his place based on his performances in the Super 14.
”He’s a tough little competitor and he showed good form in the Super 14,” Foley told reporters on Wednesday.
The former Australian hooker said Holmes had been left at home to work on his conditioning.
”Greg Holmes did very well at loosehead and hung on to the spot for a while, but he is now doing physical development work back in Australia.”
New South Wales scrumhalf Brett Sheehan is in line for his debut after being named as George Gregan’s replacement on the bench, with Sam Cordingley and Josh Valentine out injured.
Western Force utility back Scott Staniforth could also return to Test rugby after a four-year absence if he comes off the bench.
The Wallabies have not won anywhere in South Africa since 2000, and in Johannesburg since 1963. — Reuters
Team:
Chris Latham; Clyde Rathbone, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Cameron Shepherd; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom; Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe; Rodney Blake, Jeremy Paul, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tai McIsaac, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Mark Gerrard, Scott Staniforth.