Deans names just one new face in side for All Blacks clash

Wycliff Palu (centre) was named in the side by coach Robbie Deans. Photo / Getty Image

SYDNEY - Abrasive No 8 Wycliff Palu returns for his first test of 2009 in the only change to the Wallabies' starting 15 for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test.

Coach Robbie Deans today delivered an almost identical side to that which beat France 22-6 in Sydney on June 27 to maintain their unbeaten start to the year.

Palu was the notable returnee for the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup opener, having missed the Wallabies' first four matches of 2009 due to a broken hand.

The 28-test loose forward limbered up with two Sydney club matches in recent weeks.

His return for the test at Eden Park prompted a reshuffle in the loose forwards, with Dean Mumm dropped to the bench and Richard Brown shifted to the blindside flank in a bid for a more athletic loose trio.

Veteran No 7 George Smith makes up the trio, and will play his 100th test at Eden Park.

Deans kept the same tight five and backline, with fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper retaining his spot ahead of teenage rising star James O'Connor who was named on the bench.

Also on the bench, Queensland Reds halfback Will Genia will pull on a Wallabies jersey for the first time in place of Josh Valentine who missed selection in the Tri-Nations squad.

Deans continued his preference for speedy loose forwards in his squad, with openside flankers David Pocock and Phil Waugh both named on the bench as they were against France.

It meant a five-two split of forwards and backs on the bench, with Genia and the versatile O'Connor the only back reserves.

"We have made good progress, and the relative consistency of our selection reflects that, but no one is getting ahead of themselves," Deans said.

"Playing New Zealand at Eden Park is going to be a major step up on what we have faced so far.

"You only have to look at the history - in terms of the All Blacks' outstanding record at Eden Park - and their current circumstance, to appreciate the size of the task that is in front of us."

The Wallabies fly to Auckland tomorrow as they seek their first win at Eden Park since 1986.

Wallabies team:
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess
Forwards: Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Phil Waugh, Will Genia, James O'Connor.

- NZPA