Baxter headlines Australia A forward changes for Samoa clash

[Burgs]

Baxter headlines Australia A forward changes for Samoa clash

May 30, 2007 - 11:48am
Story by: ARU

Al Baxter will take his place in Australia A's front row against the Samoans in Coffs Harbour on Saturday.

The selection of Qantas Wallaby Alastair Baxter headlines a number of forward changes to the Australia A side to take on Samoa in Coffs Harbour on Saturday.

Baxter arrived at Camp Wallaby from Brisbane late on Tuesday and will line up at tighthead prop after recovering from a bout of Bronchitis that forced his withdrawal from last Saturday’s first Test against Wales.

Joining Baxter in a new-look forward pack is lock Adam Wallace-Harrison and flankers David Pusey and Julian Salvi.

Wallace-Harrison replaces Will Caldwell in the second row while Pusey comes in for Dean Mumm at blindside flanker.

Salvi has been included in place of young openside David Pocock.

Selectors have stuck with the same backline that contributed seven of Australia A’s eight tries against Tonga.

Australia A head coach Laurie Fisher said the team as selected retains a good balance despite the changes up front.

“Samoa will be a tough opponent and the team that we’ve got this week will be up for the challenge,” Fisher said.

“Having access to a player of Al Baxter’s calibre is certainly a bonus while the rest of the pack loses nothing as a result of the changes that have been made.

“Guys are competing for positions and there’s been very little between them since the team came into camp.

“You’re always going to get a boost out of working together in such close quarters and I think the performance against Tonga and on the training park this week has been encouraging ahead of the Samoa match.”

Australia A plays Samoa at Coffs Harbour’s BCU International Stadium at 3.30pm on Saturday, the match to follow the clash between Tonga and Japan which kicks off at 1.30pm.

Match: Australia A v Samoa

Venue: BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour

Date: Saturday 2 June 2007

Kick Off: 3.30pm

AUSTRALIA A

1. Nic Henderson
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Alastair Baxter
4. Alister Campbell [c]
5. Adam Wallace-Harrison
6. David Pusey
7. Julian Salvi
8. Jone Tawake

9. Sam Cordingley [v-c]
10. Berrick Barnes
11. Lachie Turner
12. Ryan Cross
13. Junior Pelesasa
14. Clinton Schifcofske
15. Peter Hewat

16. Sean Hardman
17. Gareth Hardy
18. Will Caldwell
19. Dean Mumm
20. Josh Holmes
21. Gene Fairbanks
22. Kurtley Beale

Head Coach: Laurie Fisher

[frontrow]

People still actually rate baxter, what does he "add" to a team...HE CANNOT BIND...

[The InnFORCEr]

Congratulations David Pusey he's done very well since being on crutches a few months back, well done.

Bam Bam had a blinder last week. He was at every try scored. I hope/assume it may be a rest for him as he did come off with a knee injury I think late in nthe second half.

Plenty more games for Australia A to go.

[gustafsl]

Tough to see Pocock miss out, thought he was one of the better players out there last week. But with it being Australia A bound to be a bit of rotation just for the sake of it.

[Thequeerone]

Seem to recall something about Bam Bam's knee receiving minor ligament damage
Think we are looking for 60+ this week - I wonder what the odds are TG ?

[prop53]

This team would do well against the Wallibies me thinks

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Im with you Prop, apart from Trestle this team would be very handy indeed!

[Burgs]

Interesting, a recovering Baxter is either up for 80 minutes or Henderson will change sides as Boof has rarely (if ever?) played Tighthead.

[Shaun]

Yeah apparently Bam- Bam is injured...

[prop53]

I beleive looking at him play, Boof is def a lose head specialist.