HONG KONG - Luke Burgess was recalled at halfback and Drew Mitchell called in for injured winger Lote Tuqiri among five changes to Australia's starting lineup for Saturday's rugby union international against New Zealand in Hong Kong.
The fourth Bledisloe Cup match of the season will be the
first time the Wallabies and All Blacks have met on foreign soil outside of a World Cup. Australia won the only other match on neutral ground, beating the All Blacks 16-6 in the semifinals en route to winning the 1991 World Cup in England.
With Burgess winning back his spot after missing Australia's four-point loss in the Bledisloe Cup decider at Brisbane last month, Sam Cordingley reverts to the bench.
Richard Brown replaced injured No 8 Wycliff Palu, backrower Dean Mumm comes onto the blindside flank and Mark Chisholm replaces James Horwill in the second row in other injury-enforced changes to the forward pack.
Second five-eighth Berrick Barnes returns to the bench after missing the last two tests - both losses for Australia - meaning skipper Stirling Mortlock will remain at No 12 in a midfield combination with Ryan Cross.
"Saturday is an historic occasion, and one that the players are excited about, and proud to be a part of," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said. "I said after our last meeting that we'd be happy to play the All Blacks in a car park to have another game with them, and I stand by that.
"While we'd obviously have liked the Bledisloe Cup series to have still been alive, the chance to gain a test win against New Zealand remains and that is an opportunity to be cherished."
New Zealand has already retained the Bledisloe Cup 2-1.
Graham Henry announced the All Blacks starting lineup on Tuesday, giving winger Hosea Gear his debut and shifting star first five-eighths Daniel Carter to second five-eighth to make room for Stephen Donald at No 10.
Both teams travel to Europe after the Hong Kong encounter for end-of-season test matches.
- AP
