Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has responded to his side's shock loss to Scotland, making eight changes to the starting line-up for the first Test against Wales in Brisbane.
In the front row, New South Wales Waratahs trio Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu are a straight swap for James Slipper, Stephen Moore and Dan Palmer while Rob Simmons moves off the bench to partner Nathan Sharpe in the second row.
Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu has also been named to play his first Test since last year’s Rugby World Cup, with the damaging ball-runner forcing Scott Higginbotham to blindside breakaway.
Deans has persisted with the halves combination of Will Genia and Berrick Barnes but opted for a new centre pairing of Pat McCabe and Rob Horne.
Digby Ioane and Joe Tomane, too, have maintained their spots on the wings but Adam Ashley-Cooper has been named at fullback in place of Luke Morahan.
Brumbies players Michael Hooper and Ben Alexander remain on the bench alongside Stephen Moore and Waratahs flanker David Dennis – who both started the match against Scotland.
Tuesday night’s centre pairing of Mike Harris and Anthony Faingaa also revert to the reserves bench, while Brumbies halfback Nic White could make his debut after he was named as Genia’s back-up ahead of Nick Phipps.
Australia:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper; 14. Joe Tomane; 13. Rob Horne; 12. Pat McCabe; 11. Digby Ioane; 10. Berrick Barnes; 9. Will Genia; 8. Wycliff Palu; 7. David Pocock; 6. Scott Higginbotham; 5. Nathan Sharpe; 4. Rob Simmons; 3. Sekope Kepu; 2. Tatafu Polota Nau; 1. Benn Robinson
Reserves
16. Stephen Moore; 17. Ben Alexander; 18. Dave Dennis; 19. Michael Hooper; 20. Nic White
21. Anthony Fainga’a; 22. Mike Harris
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