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A new captain, a new halfback, and a new second row combination highlight the changes to coach Robbie Deans’ Wallabies side named on Tuesday morning for Saturday night’s Test against Argentina in The Rugby Championship.
Nathan Sharpe will play as captain for Australia at his home town of the Gold Coast, and will be partnered in the second row by NSW Waratah Kane Douglas who replaces the injured Sitaleki Timani.
“Kane has been with us a fair while now, has worked hard and provides us with a similar set-piece presence as Sita [Timani] does,” said coach Deans.
“He’s a big man so he will help anchor the scrum on the tight head side in a similar way to how Sita has.
Kane also has the benefit of plenty of recent match play under his belt in club rugby, which will help make his introduction to Test rugby a little easier.”
Veteran 34-year-old Sharpe has twice previously led the Wallabies in Tests in 2004 (versus New Zealand) and 2005 (versus Samoa).
On Saturday night he plays his 109th Test in front of his home town.
“It’s rare when you have played at this level for as long as I have to come across something totally new, but to play a Test in my home town is something I would never have imagined happening when I started,” said Sharpe.
“To have the privilege of leading Australia in the first ever Test to be played on the Gold Coast is an experience I will always treasure. But the memory is down the track.
“For now, it’s important we keep our focus as a team, build on what we achieved last weekend in Perth, and add to that momentum. No one else in the squad has played Argentina before but I have and they will be tough, incredibly passionate and uncompromising. You only have to look at what they have achieved to date in their tournament matches to see what a threat they will be.”
Nick Phipps has come into the side to replace the injured Will Genia at halfback.
“Nick’s had a good grounding, knows our method and has worked hard,” said Deans.
“He has a great work ethic, is a quality bloke to have in the group as his enthusiasm is infectious, and has handled everything that has been thrown at him as a Test player – including a run as a replacement wing during last year’s Rugby World Cup. He’s ready to go.”
The absence of Genia, and the pre-scheduled shoulder operation which removed Brumbies halfback Nic White from the squad late last month, sees the nuggety Western Force halfback Brett Sheehan return after a three-year absence from the Wallabies.
“I guess it’s an unusual circumstance for a call up but you’ve got to be ready when it comes and ‘Sheeno’ is,” said Deans.
“He’s worked hard this year, played some good rugby for the Force, and is well suited to the physical challenge that Argentina brings.
Brett and Nick are different types of players. Having them both involved gives us variety in terms of ways that we can play the game. “
In further changes, Berrick Barnes has moved from inside centre to fullback, to accommodate the return of regular inside centre Pat McCabe, which has pushed Kurtley Beale back to the bench.
“Berrick has good grounding at the back while his ability to take just about every point-scoring opportunity on offer [with his goal-kicking] was highlighted once again last weekend,” said Deans.
“His presence provides good balance to the backline, while giving us the opportunity to throw Kurtley in where he will be at his most dangerous, against a tiring defensive line as the game opens up and he can get out there with a license to play.
At hooker, Stephen Moore is again named, but he has been bracketed on the bench with Saia Fainga’a. Tatafu Polota Nau retains his starting position, having performed strongly after replacing Moore in Perth last weekend when the Brumbies hooker strained his hamstring at training.
A decision on whether Moore is fit to play will be made later.
Wallabies team to play Argentina on the Gold Coast at Skilled Park at 8pm AEST is:
15. Berrick Barnes (NSW Waratahs)
14. Dominic Shipperley (Queensland Reds)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
9. Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels)
8. Radike Samo (Queensland Reds)
7. Michael Hooper (Brumbies)
6. Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force, captain)
4. Kane Douglas (NSW Waratahs)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Tatafu Polota Nau (NSW Waratahs)
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
Run on Reserves:
16. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) or Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
17. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
18. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
19. Liam Gill (Queensland Reds)
20. Brett Sheehan (Western Force)
21. Anthony Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
22. Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels)
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.