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Wallabies make changes

by Michelle Fortune , 23 August 2011

Australia coach Robbie Deans has made a number of changes to his side for Saturday's Tri-Nations decider against New Zealand in Brisbane.


Centre Anthony Fainga'a and forwards Dan Vickerman and Radike Samo have been recalled to the Wallabies starting XV as they look for their first victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane for 19 years.

Fainga'a's inclusion means Adam Ashley-Cooper will move to the wing where he will take over from the suspended James O'Connor, while James Horwill will skipper the side for the first time after being promoted to captain for next month's World Cup.

Quade Cooper will take over kicking duties for the Bledisloe Cup clash, although the Wallabies can no longer win the trophy after losing to New Zealand las time.

"The group showed a lot of character to bounce back in South Africa but no one in our party is getting ahead of themselves," Deans said in a statement.

"The All Blacks are not the bench mark in world rugby without good reason. They give you nothing and pounce on any opportunities that you give them. To beat them, we will need to be disciplined, accurate, composed but, most of all, deserving."

Australia (XV v New Zealand): K Beale; A Ashley-Cooper, A Fainga'a, P McCabe, D Ioane; Q Cooper, W Genia; S Kepu, S Moore, B Alexander, D Vickerman, J Horwill, R Elsom, D Pocock, R Samo.

Replacements: S Fainga'a, S Ma'afu, R Simmons, B McCalman, S Higginbotham, L Burgess, TBA.

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