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Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has made several changes to his side to take on the Welsh in the final Tour Test in Sydney on Saturday afternoon, recalling Kurtley Beale to the side from injury, and dropping both Cooper Vuna and Mike Harris from the team.
The Wallabies fought out a thrilling 25 – 23 win over Wales in Melbourne last Saturday, and Beale will return to fullback, pushing Adam Ashley-Cooper out to the wing to replace Vuna.
Beale is back in the side despite off-field drama, after a widely reported incident at a Brisbane Hotel resulted in an alleged assault charge.
“It has been frustrating for Kurtley, and he’s obviously had some off-field challenges to deal with as well, but it was important for all concerned that he had full confidence in his shoulder before we looked at re-introducing him to the Test arena,” said Deans.
Second rower Sitaleki Timani also returns to the side after missing the first two Tests of the James Bevan Trophy series.
He takes the place of Rob Simmons who drops to the bench meaning five of the eight-man pack will be NSW Waratahs, who will pack the scrum down at their home ground.
Last week’s match winning goal-kicker, Queensland Reds utility back Mike Harris, and Cooper Vuna, have missed the cut.
Vuna evaded suspension on Monday after being yellow carded for a collision with the airborne Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny, but wasn’t required by Deans.
“Wales are a very good side. They give you nothing and they take their scoring chances. They showed that in the Six Nations, and they showed it again last weekend,” said Deans.
“Both games in the series to date have been very close, there’s no reason to suggest that Saturday afternoon will be any different.
“If anything, they will be even more dangerous because the circumstance will unshackle them.
“While they can no longer win the series, they can still achieve something only one other Welsh team has ever achieved by winning in Australia. And they have that opportunity in front of them with no real downside – nothing to fear so to speak, as the series is beyond them.
“After finishing fourth at the Rugby World Cup, and then claiming the Six Nations Grand Slam, this has already been a highly successful run for Wales.
“They will be absolutely desperate (to) end on a high, and will know that they are capable of doing exactly that. We must similarly raise the level of our game if we are to deny them.”
The Wallabies team to play in the third Wales Tour Test match at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm AEST) is:
Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Will Genia, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock (capt), Scott Higginbotham, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Rob Simmons, Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Nic White, Anthony Faingaa.
Match reminder – Afternoon kick-off – comments from ARU CEO John O’Neill:
“There is a lot of excitement around this weekend’s Test,” Mr O’Neill said.
“A return to the Moore Park precinct, an afternoon kick-off and a Fan Day on the hallowed turf of the SCG has been warmly embraced by Rugby fans and will most likely deliver a full house.
“I encourage everyone to start planning their trips and take public transport to ensure they get there early and don’t miss any of the excitement or build-up to the third and final Test.
“There’s plenty of reasons to get there early, the Fan Day will start at Midday and the first of two curtain raisers will begin at 12:10pm.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.