Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.
Rugby Union

News

Deans drops three

Deans drops three

09/01/2010 07:02:15 PM

Robbie Deans has made three changes to Australia's squad for their Tri-Nations clash with South Africa on Sunday.

The Wallabies coach has named hooker Stephen Moore, No.8 Ben McCalman and lock Mark Chisholm in the starting XV, relegating Dean Mumm, Saia Faingaa and Richard Brown to the bench.

Loose forward Scott Higginbotham has been dropped from the 22-man squad altogether.

Deans has flagged his intent to attack the Springboks after the Wallabies' 44-31 loss to South Africa in Pretoria last weekend, rewarding McCalman for his hard-running efforts off the bench.

Moore's promotion in place of Faingaa comes as no surprise given the latter's erratic lineout throwing late in the game at Pretoria, while Mumm has also paid the price for several ineffective displays.

"You could say we are looking for a combination of physicality, bulk and energy and the changes we have made address those issues," Deans said.

"McCalman has done really well off the bench and he will bring a real physical presence. Mark Chisholm has a big frame and we want him to use it at the set-piece."

"We believe that we will be better for the added weight in the scrums."

Recent history suggests the Wallabies will struggle to take their revenge against the Springboks at Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Australia have only won twice at altitude in South Africa, with the last victory coming in Johannesburg in 1963.

Wallabies squad: Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Salesi Ma'afu, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images
Comments
Posted by Sean at
02/09/2010 05:55 PM
Perhaps he could drop a few more they are playing that badly!

You Might Also Like

Most Read Articles

Hird praises GWS spirit
Hird praises GWS spirit
AFL
05/26/2012 11:11:46 PM
His team won the game by 66 points and in the process claimed top spot on the AFL ladder, ...
 
 
Sheedy defends poor crowd
AFL
05/26/2012 10:57:27 PM
 
Eagles smash Freo in derby
AFL
05/27/2012 09:16:51 AM
 
Lewis angry at losing captaincy
League
05/27/2012 08:28:17 AM
 
Sanderson clips 'un-Adelaide like' Crows
AFL
05/26/2012 10:33:30 PM
 
Wests Tigers make it five in a row
League
05/27/2012 06:59:57 AM
 
Panthers stun Sea Eagles
League
05/27/2012 05:37:16 AM
 
Tamou fearing the worst
League
05/27/2012 10:04:00 AM
 
 
 

Your Say

Galleries

Rugby World Cup Finals
25/10/2011 11:22:46 AM
Did you miss the action from the recent finals of the Rugby World Cup? Don’t worry, we will take you back and show you best action from the Quarter Finals through to the Final.
The Weekend Sporting Action
18/10/2011 2:21:08 PM
The sport never slows down around the world. Check out the latest action from the weekend.
 
2011 Rugby Word Cup
22/09/2011 4:59:10 PM
Make sure you take the time to check out some of the fantastic, amazing and cheeky shots of players and fans of the 2011 Rugby World Cup thus far.