Deans Puts Emphasis On Attack

The Age

Thursday July 17, 2008

Greg Growden

WALLABIES coach Robbie Deans has opted for a mix of creativity, experience and fire in selecting his line-up for the first Tri Nations match against South Africa at Subiaco Oval in Perth on Saturday.

While the recall of Lote Tuqiri, Wycliff Palu and Nathan Sharpe was expected after they had overcome minor injuries which forced them out of the second Test against France, the move to start with George Smith ahead of Phil Waugh and the elevation of Tatafu Polota-Nau to the bench indicates the importance of the Wallabies being inventive.

Deans indicated as much shortly after announcing the team in Perth yesterday.

"I hope that's the outcome. We have to play," he said.

"We won't be able to be conservative against a side that has the physical capabilities of the South Africans and get home. The key will be to keep them busy, with the traffic going the other way."

The most difficult selection issues involved how physical the pack should be, with the Wallabies eager to include dynamic second-rower Dan Vickerman. However, Vickerman's ankle is still not 100%, prompting Sharpe's return, and Hugh McMeniman on the bench.

The unfortunate casualty is NSW second-rower/back-rower Dean Mumm, who started against France in Brisbane.

Mumm would have remained in the squad if Deans had opted for a five forwards-two backs reserves split, but has instead persevered with a 4-3 ratio which saw McMeniman getting the final forwards spot.

But the strongest sign in the squad selection is that Polota- Nau is heading towards a greater involvement in the Wallabies set- up.

Polota-Nau, the most dynamic and talented of the Australian hooking contingent, has been unavailable for the opening three Tests after breaking a bone in his hand.

"Tatafu offers us a point of difference off the bench, particularly his foot speed and carry ability," Deans said.

Deans warned that the Wallabies would confront a Springbok team that had improved markedly since its 2007 World Cup triumph, and beating the All Blacks in Dunedin last weekend would only amplify the South African's self-belief.

WALLABIES TEAM

Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (c), Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.

© 2008 The Age

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