Australian coach Robbie Deans has rushed back Lote Tuqiri, Wycliff Palu and Nathan Sharpe from injury for Saturday’s Tri-Nations rugby Test against South Africa in Perth.
The three experienced players come back into the starting line-up after missing Australia’s 40-10 second test win over France in Brisbane on July 5.
Winger Tuqiri replaces Lachie Turner, Palu comes in for Stephen Hoiles at number eight and Sharpe takes over from Dean Mumm at lock.
Sharpe will partner Queensland’s James Horwill in the second row after Dan Vickerman was not ruled not have sufficiently recovered from ankle surgery to take his place in the team.
”They’re all looking good and ready to go again,” Deans said of Tuqiri, Sharpe and Palu. ”We needed to be absolutely certain that they were right, because the South Africans are going to be the most physical opponent we have played so far.
”By allowing them all time, we’re happy that they are at the level, both physically and mentally, that they need to be to play.”
The one major change in the squad comes on the bench, where hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau replaces Adam Freier. Polata-Nau had been out with a hand injury and only returned to club play last week.
”Tatafu offers genuine impact [and] his ability to carry could potentially be invaluable in the latter stages of what I’d expect will be a high tempo game,” Deans said.
Flanker George Smith will play his 87th Test on Saturday, making him Australia’s most capped forward.
Deans conceded the South Africans, coming off a 30-28 win over New Zealand in Dunedin, posed a major challenge for the Wallabies.
”Their record speaks for itself,” Deans said.
”Historically playing South Africa has always been a massive challenge and recent events have probably only added to the significance of this assignment, but it’s one that we’re excited about as a group and looking forward to.” – Reuters
Team:
15-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14-Peter Hynes, 13-Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12-Berrick Barnes, 11-Lote Tuqiri, 10-Matt Giteau, 9-Luke Burgess, 8-Wycliff Palu, 7-George Smith, 6-Rocky Elsom, 5-Nathan Sharpe, 4-James Horwill, 3-Al Baxter, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17-Matt Dunning, 18-Hugh McMeniman, 19-Phil Waugh, 20-Sam Cordingley, 21-Ryan Cross, 22-Drew Mitchell