Wallabies make eight changes in side to play third position match against Wales - Rugby World Cup
Wallabies have decided to make eight changes to their squad which lost the semi-final contest against the All Blacks last Sunday, to face Wales in the Bronze Medal competition on October 21, in Eden Park. Kurtley Beale, who missed the last clash of his team
against All Blacks due to a hamstring problem, has been included in the back lines. Among the other changes made in Wallabies side, four of their players will miss the play-off because of various injuries. Alustralia's head coach, Robbie Deans, made the announcement
of his side for their last match of Rugby World Cup 2011 on October 19.
Wallabies have been deprived of seasoned players like Stephan Moore, Sekope Kepu, Pat McCabe and Dan Vickerman for the third position clash. Wallabies hooker Moore sustained a sternum injury during their previous outing, Sekope Kepu was disrupted by an eye
injury, whereas the duo of Vickerman and McCabe have claimed shoulder problems.
The injured four will be replaced by Berrick Barnes, James Slipper, Nathan Sharpe and Tatafu Polota-Nau at their various positions. Meanwhile, Anthony Faingaa, Rob Horne and Luke Burgess have been restricted to the benches after poor show in last match.
Adam Ashley-Cooper, who played the last match on the full-backs’ position, will retain his regular place. Rocky Elsom has not been included in the match.
Nathan Sharpe will be achieving a milestone on Friday as he will become another Australian to participate in the 100th test of his rugby career. He will take the place of injured Dan Vickerman in this hot clash. The Aussie coach has given another
chance to their kicking specialist Quade Cooper despite his ongoing poor performance in the tournament.
Wallabies side to face Wales:
Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill
(c), 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Radike Samo, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Anthony Faingaa, 22 Robert Horne.
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