Australia have made three changes to their starting team for Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash against South Africa at the Olympic stadium.
Stephen Hoiles and Adam Freier replaced the injured pair Wycliff Palu and Stephen Moore while Mark Gerrard was called in for suspended winger Lote Tuqiri in the only changes to the side that beat New Zealand in Melbourne last weekend.
Hoiles was given the nod ahead of David Lyons for the number eight position after Palu was ruled out with a shoulder injury that threatens his place in this year’s World Cup. Lyons was picked on the reserves bench.
Moore was ruled out with a sternum injury, allowing Freier the opportunity to make his first appearance in the starting line-up this season and elevating Australia A hooker Sean Hardman to the bench.
Tuqiri was handed a two-match ban on Tuesday for missing a training session after a night out drinking. Gerrard took his place on the right wing while Drew Mitchell was added to the substitutes.
Stephen Larkham will earn his 100th Test cap after being chosen at flyhalf, joining George Gregan and David Campese as the only Australians to achieve the milestone.
Saturday’s match will also mark the last occasion Larkham and Gregan will play a Test on home soil with the pair both planning to retire after the World Cup.
”They are virtually icons of Australian sport,” Connolly said in a statement.
”We’ve just been so blessed in this country to have such incredibly consistent players playing in two of our key positions over the past 12 or so years.
”They are two great warriors of Australian sport and I’m sure they will receive a fitting farewell from the supporters on Saturday night in what is such a crucial Test for the Wallabies.” – Reuters