Deans shakes up Wallabies for US match

Will Genia will lead the Wallabies when they take on the US in their Rugby World Cup Pool C match...
Will Genia will lead the Wallabies when they take on the US in their Rugby World Cup Pool C match in Wellington on Friday night. Photo: Reuters <p> </p> <a href="http://www.odt.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/australia">more Australia news</a>
Halfback Will Genia will captain a Wallabies team featuring six changes to the starting line-up in Friday's Rugby World Cup match against the United States.

With his squad beset by injuries, coach Robbie Deans has rung the changes for the Pool C match in Wellington in the wake of Saturday's shock loss to major pool rivals Ireland.

Rob Horne will play his first test in more than a year when he lines up at inside centre, while Drew Mitchell starts on the wing in place of James O'Connor, who has a hamstring strain.

There are four changes to the starting forward pack that was badly outplayed by the Irish.

No 8 Wycliff Palu replaces Radike Samo in the backrow alongside Rocky Elsom and Ben McCalman, who retains the openside flanker role with David Pocock still unavailable because of his back injury.

Scott Higginbotham was slated to come in at blindside flanker in place of Elsom but was ruled out after hurting his back at training on Wednesday.

Veteran Nathan Sharpe and youngster Rob Simmons take over in the second row from Dan Vickerman and captain James Horwill, who is resting a shoulder niggle.

James Slipper comes in at loosehead prop in place of Sekope Kepu, joining tighthead Ben Alexander and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.

Hooker Stephen Moore, who missed the Irish match through illness, is on the reserves bench.

Australia: Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Anthony Faingaa, Rob Horne, Drew Mitchell, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (capt), Wycliff Palu, Ben McCalman, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper. Reserves: Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Dan Vickerman, Radike Samo, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Pat McCabe.

 

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