Robbie Deans has recalled centre Anthony Fainga’a and forwards Dan Vickerman and Radike Samo for the Tri-Nations decider against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Lock Vickerman will join newly appointed Wallabies captain James Horwill, who will lead his country for the first time, in the second row with outside centre Fainga’a winning his seventh cap.
Fainga’a inclusion means Adam Ashley-Cooper switches to the wing to take over from James O’Connor, who was suspended after he missed the World Cup team announcement following a reported “night out”.
Australia will be looking for their first victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane for 19 years although the Bledisloe Cup is beyond them having lost to New Zealand 30-14 in Auckland earlier this month. Australia and New Zealand both have nine points from their three matches .
Fijian-born number eight Samo returns to the starting line-up for the first time since 2004 and will be joined in the loose forwards by former captain Rocky Elsom.
South-African born Vickerman, who featured in the earlier loss to the All Blacks, replaces Nathan Sharpe, who started the 14-9 win over the Springboks in Durban.
AUSTRALIA (v New Zealand): Beale; Ashley-Cooper, AFainga’a, McCabe, Ioane; Cooper, Genia; Kepu, Moore, Alexander; Vickerman, Horwill (captain); Elsom, Pocock, Samo. Replacements: Saia Fainga’a, Ma’afu, Simmons, McCalman, Higginbotham, Burgess, 22-TBC.
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