The Australian team to face the Springboks this weekend has been announced with Kurtley Beale recalled to the fullback position and Adam Ashley-Cooper shifted into the centres.
The backline sees a few changes, with Rob Horne dropped to make space for Ashley-Cooper, and the injured Drew Mitchell being replaced by Dom Shipperley.
Amongst the forward, Radike Samo gets a start at the back of the scrum with Scott Higginbotham playing off the bench as the only change.
On the bench, Tatafu Polota Nau comes into the 16 jersey in place of Saia Fainga’a, and Mike Harris coming onto the bench.
Australia: Kurtley Beale, Dominic Shipperley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (capt), Radike Samo, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson
Reserves: Tatafu Polota Nau, James Slipper, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Nick Phipps, Mike Harris, Anthony Fainga’a
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Why on earth would they drop Higginbotham?
He was the only forward worth his salt vs the ABs.
That Dave Dennis had a shocker, even the commentators picked up on it.
Very very strange.
That being said, that is avery dangerous looking backline.
If they fire, they will be extremely difficult to contain.
@John Galt (Comment 1) : I agree,Dennis should’ve been dropped,play Higgas at 6 and play Radike Samo at 8
Beale always seem to keep his best for the Boks. He may have been awful against the ABs but the Boks will need to keep a close watch on him
@John Galt (Comment 1) : I thought Higginbotham had an awful game 2 weeks ago and even worse in the first game. He does get over the advantage line, but he made too many errors and turns over possession way too easily.
@John Galt (Comment 2) : Agreed, our forwards need to be on song. If that backline gets quick ball it’s going to be a very long day at the office.