Wallabies bulk up for Wales

Wednesday 12th September 2007

Australia have made two changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's crucial Pool B clash with Wales at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium.

Drew Mitchell, who bagged a brace of tries in the Wallabies' tournament opening 91-3 victory over Japan last week, has been elevated to the left wing.

Mitchell's inclusion comes at the expense of Adam Ashley-Cooper, who injured his toe late in the Wallabies' 88-point victory in Lyon.

Ashley-Cooper will be given until Friday to prove his fitness and has been bracketed alongside Julian Huxley for the final place on the reserves bench.

The other change to the Wallabies starting line-up comes in the forwards, with Al Baxter making way for Guy Shepherdson to return at tighthead prop.

Coach John Connolly has reverted to a 5-2 split on his reserves bench, selecting five reserve forwards and only two replacement backs.

Flanker Phil Waugh is the major beneficiary of the move, returning to the bench after missing out on selection for last week's clash with Japan.

Utility back Scott Staniforth has been called onto the reserves bench to cover a number of positions in the backline, while Mark Chisholm is in line to make his Rugby World Cup debut after claiming the reserve lock's jersey.

Connolly said the Wallabies had been building towards the Cardiff clash throughout the year.

"This is a crucial game as far as our Pool is concerned and a lot of what we have done over the past twelve months has been preparing us for this game," said Connolly.

Connolly said the sold out Millenium Stadium will provide the perfect backdrop for the crucial Pool B match up.

"Playing in front of a packed Millenium Stadium in a World Cup will be an unforgettable experience for the players. Its something they will treasure for the rest of their lives," he said.

The match will have extra significance for lock Dan Vickerman, who celebrates his 50th Test cap for the Wallabies.

Australia have won 11 of their last 13 tests against Wales, but have not downed Wales at Millennium Stadium since 2001 (21-13). They played a drawn test, 29-all, at the ground last year.

Australia and Wales have met three times at the World Cups, with Australia winning twice (1991 and 1999) and Wales the other (1987).

Australia: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Drew Mitchell, 13 Stirling Mortlock (c), 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Dan Vickerman, 4 Nathan Sharpe, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Matt Dunning
Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Al Baxter, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Stephen Hoiles, 20 Phil Waugh, 21 Scott Staniforth, 22 Julian Huxley/Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Date: Saturday, September 15
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:00 (14:00 BST)
Referee: Steve Walsh
Touch judges: Mark Lawrence, Craig Joubert
Television match official: Christophe Berdos
Assessor: Steve Hilditch

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