Deans keeps faith with Wallabies - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Deans keeps faith with Wallabies

David Beniuk 05/11/2010 07:07:23 PM Comments (0)

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has stuck with the players who got the job done against the All Blacks, naming an unchanged line-up for Saturday's (Sunday 0130 AEDT) Test against Wales at Millennium Stadium.

Deans has emphasised the need for continuity in selection this week after struggling to field the same side for consecutive matches all year because of injury and suspension.

The breakthrough 26-24 win over New Zealand was a massive boost for the Australians, who are now starting to believe the attack-at-all-costs path they have gone down is paying off.

The biggest change for the Wallabies for the clash with the Dragons will be in the goalkicking department with 20-year-old winger James O'Connor, who coolly slotted a winning conversion in Hong Kong, taking the duties from out of form Matt Giteau.

Despite Deans and fellow selectors Jim Williams and David Nucifora keeping the faith, consistency will be the key for Australia, who haven't put back-to-back wins together since July.

Several players are auditioning for their World Cup chance on this tour with Wallabies stars such as Digby Ioane, James Horwill, Wycliff Palu and Rob Horne on the injured list at home.

The battle for positions at lock is particularly crucial with Dan Vickerman returning to the fold next year and Horwill on the mend.

Mark Chisholm, who will again partner World Cup certainty Nathan Sharpe in the starting second row, Dean Mumm, Van Humphries and youngster Rob Simmons are vying for back-up positions in the Wallabies' set-up.

Australia: Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom (capt), Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper, Dean Mumm, Richard Brown, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Lachie Turner.

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