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Shepherd Named At Fullback For Australia A's PNC Finale
Selectors have made five changes to the team which went down to the Junior All Blacks last weekend for Australia A’s final hitout in the iRB Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) against Fiji in Suva on Saturday.
Waratahs flyer Lachie Turner also returns to the starting lineup, while Cameron Shepherd moves from the wing to replace Peter Hewat at fullback.
Queensland’s Berrick Barnes has been given a late chance to stake his World Cup selection claims, after being selected at flyhalf, while Waratahs scrumhalf Josh Valentine replaces Josh Holmes.
Emirates Western Force flanker David Pocock comes in for the injured Julian Salvi who flies home tomorrow.
Seven members of last week’s Australia A pack have been given another chance to show their wares against the Fijians and press their claims for a call up to the Wallabies World Cup squad.
Head Coach Laurie Fisher said Australia A must bounce back from last week’s 50-0 loss in New Zealand and finish the campaign on a positive note.
“Last week we were disappointing right across the park and all the guys know they need to perform this week to have any chance of getting on the plane to France, so I expect a much more committed effort against Fiji.”
“Berrick Barnes has been given his opportunity at flyhalf and we’ve also brought in Josh Valentine’s experience at the base of the ruck.”
“I’ve opted for speed out wide with Digby Ioane, Lachie Turner and Cameron Shepherd in our back three.”
Australia A’s final Pacific Nations Cup match will be telecast on ABC 2 Digital from 1.30pm.
2007 iRB Pacific Nations Cup
Match: Fiji v Australia A
Venue: National Stadium, Suva
Date: Saturday, 23 June 2007
Kick Off: 3:00pm (1:00pm AEST)
Australia A
1. Rodney Blake
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Nic Henderson
4. Alister Campbell (c)
5. James Horwill
6. Hugh McMeniman
7. David Pocock
8. David Lyons
9. Josh Valentine
10. Berrick Barnes
11. Lachie Turner
12. Ryan Cross
13. Junior Pelesasa
14. Digby Ioane
15. Cameron Shepherd
16. Sean Hardman
17. Gareth Hardy
18. Dean Mumm
19. Jone Tawake
20. Josh Holmes
21. Sam Norton-Knight
22. Clinton Schifcofske