Turner is named in Australia team
Thursday, 9 September 2010 08:53Lachie Turner has been named in the Australia XV for Saturday's clash with New Zealand in Sydney.
The 23-year-old winger replaces the injured Drew Mitchell in the only change following Australia's thrilling 41-39 win over South Africa in Bloemfontein last weekend.
Mitchell suffered a small tear to his hamstring while scoring a try in the Wallabies' victory, but Turner is no stranger to the international stage having played 11 Tests in his career.
Hooker Huia Edmonds will start on the bench, coming in for the suspended Saia Fainga'a.
Although New Zealand already have the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri-Nations trophies wrapped up, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said Saturday's match was a good chance to finish off the season on a high after his side's victory in South Africa.
'We can't afford to continue to live in that moment,' Deans said.
'While the players are aware of the history that was associated with that performance, they are also aware of the significance of playing the All Blacks and the opportunity that they have in front of them this weekend.
'Hopefully we'll have a big crowd down at the stadium to get behind them.'
The Wallabies will go into the match as heavy underdogs, however, having failed to beat the All Blacks since 2008.
Last year, a late penalty goal enabled New Zealand to win the corresponding match 19-18.
The Australia side is: Kurtley Beale; James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Lachie Turner; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Salesi Ma'afu, Mark Chisholm, Nathan Sharpe, Rocky Elsom, David Pocock, Ben McCalman.
Reserves: Huia Edmonds, James Slipper, Dean Mumm, Richard Brown, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Anthony Fainga'a.
