Mortlock moves inside for Irish clash
Thursday, 16 November 2006 21:01Watch Ireland v Australia live from 3.15pm this Sunday on RTÉ 2 or listen live on RTÉ Radio 1.
Australia captain Stirling Mortlock will start in the unfamiliar role of inside centre for Sunday's clash with Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Sunday, kick-off at 4.00pm.
Wallabies coach John Connolly has re-jigged his back division once again following last weekend's disappointing 25-18 victory over Italy.
Stephen Larkham returns to fly-half after starting Australia's last two games at inside centre.
Mortlock shifts inside to take the 12 jersey and will form a powerful midfield partnership with Lote Tuqiri, who has come in off the wing.
Mark Gerrard fills that spot after an impressive midweek performance in Australia's victory over Ireland A in Limerick.
The only change Connolly has made in the pack sees Phil Waugh return at open-side flanker with George Smith dropping to the bench.
AUSTRALIA (v Ireland): C Latham, C Rathbone, L Tuqiri, S Mortlock (captain), M Gerrard; S Larkham, M Giteau; A Baxter, B Cannon, G Shepherdson, N Sharpe, M Chisholm, R Elsom, P Waugh, W Palu.
Replacements: T McIsaac, B Robinson, A Campbell, G Smith, J Valentine, M Rogers, S Staniforth.
