Exclusive: Flyer set to join Australia's Olympics Sevens bid in curious Wallabies call
Australia’s hopes of medalling at the Paris Olympics look set to be given a massive boost, with Brumbies flyer Corey Toole looming as a…
Goalkicking ace Mike Harris held out a fit Berrick Barnes to keep his place at fullback for the Wallabies’ European tour opener against France in Paris on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
Barnes, who hasn’t played since puncturing his lung in the September 30 loss to South Africa in Pretoria, has been included on the bench as coach Robbie Deans named the same backline that ran out against New Zealand in Brisbane last month.
Harris kicked six penalty goals that night in Australia’s 18-18 draw with the All Blacks.
Deans made three changes to his forward pack with tighthead prop Sekope Kepu, blindside flanker Dave Dennis and second-rower Kane Douglas all getting starts in the Nathan Sharpe-led side.
Kepu comes in for James Slipper while Dennis replaces the suspended Scott Higginbotham at No.6 and Douglas in for the injured Sitaleki Timani (hamstring).
Veteran Stephen Moore returns to action off the bench after overcoming a hamstring injury while rookie prop Paddy Ryan is also on the pine.
As expected, champion flanker David Pocock wasn’t selected but has trained strongly and is on track to face England at Twickenham on Saturday week.
Flying winger Digby Ioane was given every chance to prove his fitness this week as he continues his comeback from a knee injury but he hasn’t quite measured up.
Drew Mitchell is another Wallaby on the comeback trail who has trained well in France this week and he’s expected to feature in the tour soon.
Wallabies team: Mike Harris, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Ben Tapuai, Pat McCabe, Nick Cummins, Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Stephen Moore, James Slipper, Paddy Ryan, Rob Simmons, Radike Samo, Liam Gill, Brett Sheehan, Berrick Barnes.
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