Lachlan Turner to make Wallabies debut - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Lachlan Turner to make Wallabies debut

01/07/2008 01:59:01 PM Comments (0)

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has handed Lachlan Turner his Test debut among four changes - only two forced by injury - for the second Test against France in Brisbane.

Turner, 21, will take the injured Lote Tuqiri's wing spot while Stephen Hoiles takes over from wounded No.8 Wycliff Palu for Saturday night's match at Suncorp Stadium in the wake of last weekend's 34-13 first Test win in Sydney.

Phil Waugh is promoted from the bench to start at openside flanker, swapping places with George Smith.

And Adam Ashley-Cooper takes over the fullback spot with Cameron Shepherd relegated to the bench.

Deans said both unforced changes were made because he wanted to give Waugh and Ashley-Cooper more game time.

He revealed he would have given Ashley-Cooper some time at fullback in the first Test if he hadn't needed him to replace Tuqiri.

Deans said the versatile Turner's all round game earned him his Test debut ahead of other candidates.

"It's a special occasion for any player and more importantly hopefully it will be a good experience," said Deans.

Wallabies: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, Lachlan Turner, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Stephen Hoiles, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Adam Freier, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Cameron Shepherd.

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