Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.

News

 
 
Elsom cleared to play for Wallabies

Elsom cleared to play for Wallabies

29/08/2008 7:09 AM

Australia flanker Rocky Elsom has been selected to start in Saturday's Tri Nations clash with South Africa after his one-match ban was overturned on appeal.

Elsom had been suspended after he was found guilty of tackling Springboks captain Victor Matfield in the air at a lineout during last weekend's 27-15 win in Durban.

However, that decision was overturned on Thursday, freeing up the 25-year-old to take his place at Coca-Cola Park.

Timana Tahu will make his Wallabies starting debut in the match after he was called in to replace the injured Berrick Barnes at second five-eighths.

Tahu's selection caps a meteoric rise for the 27-year-old dual-code international after he converted from rugby league earlier this year.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has made five changes from his side that ended its eight-year winning drought in South Africa last weekend.

The other changes see full-back Adam Ashley-Cooper return from a broken hand to regain his position from Drew Mitchell, Hugh McMeniman returns in the second row for the injured Daniel Vickerman, while Phil Waugh and Tatafu Polota-Nau come in for George Smith and Stephen Moore respectively.

The game is a dead rubber with the destination of the Tri Nations trophy to be resolved when the Wallabies host New Zealand on September 13.

Deans, however, claimed there was still plenty riding on the game as the Wallabies go in search of their first back-to-back wins in South Africa in 45 years.

"Saturday still has huge significance - both in terms of momentum in the Tri Nations; but also as far as the development of our group as a whole is concerned," Deans said.

"By winning in Durban last weekend, we have presented ourselves with an opportunity - to win back-to-back Test matches in South Africa - which is not only rare in an Australian context; but is also historically significant across the game in general."

"Last weekend [in Durban] took a lot out of our guys as it did some of theirs. We will need the impetus that the fresh legs we've included today will bring."

Deans is wary of a South African team that has come under fire following their loss last weekend - their third in the Tri Nations on the trot.

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has taken the brunt of the criticism, which prompted South Africa Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins to issue a statement in support of the 51-year-old.

With that in mind, and the fact the match is the Springboks' last opportunity to impress until a November international against Wales, Deans has warned his side to expect a backlash.

"They [South Africa] have got one more shot at it in this year's Tri Nations," he said.

"If they can take it, they can park the rest of the tournament and move forward a lot more positively towards their end of season tour preparations."

"Ask yourself how you'd feel in their position? There's no doubt they'll be up for it."

Australia squad: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill, Matt Dunning, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Replacements: Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

Rugby News

 
 
Mitchell backs Mitchell
Mitchell backs Mitchell
Rugby Union
08/01/2009 10:00 AM
Western Force and Wallabies star Drew Mitchell is playing a straight bat regarding the ...
 
 
Mitchell feels safe
Rugby Union
07/01/2009 1:55 PM
 
Mitchell under fire
Rugby Union
05/01/2009 5:08 PM
 
Brumbies back in training
Rugby Union
05/01/2009 2:41 PM
 
Giteau refutes rumours
Rugby Union
04/01/2009 11:51 AM
 
 
 

Your Say

 
 

Galleries

 
 
All Blacks v Wallabies
03/08/2008 12:21 PM
The All Blacks turned on the fireworks on their way to a big victory over the Wallabies 39-10 at Eden Park.
Wallabies v All Blacks
27/07/2008 03:14 PM
Australia stormed to a memorable victory over NZ, cleaning up with a 34-19 triumph.