Australia lists semi-final squad to face All Blacks in ongoing Rugby World Cup
Wallabies have anounced their 22-member squad to face the All Blacks in the second semi-final of the ongoing Rugby World Cup 2011, on October 16, in Eden Park Auckland. Wallabies head coach, Robbie Deans, stated his latest combination for a much anticipated
match on October 14 and named Kurtley Beale in the back lines. The player was feared to miss the battle due to a hamstring injury. However, Deans told journalists that Beale will be required to pass the fitness test before going into the match.
Wallabies have maintained their quarter-final winning side for this particular match and the only change that could take place is if Beale fails to prove his fitness in the training session. Pat McCabe, who sustained shoulder injury during the quarter-final
clash against the Springboks, has recovered and has been given a starting role at the inside centre’s position.
Talking about the current situation of Beale’s injury, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans told the media that he will be given ample time to prove his fitness. He added that, “It will be tough on Kurtley if he has to miss this one, but we will take no chances.
If he can't play, he will contribute off the field as he always does. Adam and Ant are both good men. They will do a more than capable job in Kurtley's absence.”
Talking about the venue of the match, Eden Park, which has remained negative for Australia, Deans said that, “It's a tough place to play, and those are impressive numbers for sure, but they don't matter once Sunday night's match kicks off. Rugby World Cup
elimination matches are stand alone contests, distinct from any other that are played in the international game.”
Australia had won their last match against All Blacks in 1986 while playing at Eden Park, Auckland.
Australia: Kurtley Beale/Adam Ashley-Cooper; Jams O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper/Anthony Faingaa, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander; Dan Vickerman, James
Horwill, Rocky Elsom, David Pocock, Radike Samo
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Anthony Faingaa/Rob Horne
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