Wallabies prepare in luxury

SYDNEY - The Wallabies are relying on a luxury camp at a banana plantation to ensure there are no slip-ups as they prepare to defend their World Cup crown.

While the All Blacks will be spread far and wide throughout New Zealand as they crank up their cup challenge, the Wallabies are using a Coffs Harbour retreat, near Russell Crowe's mansion on the northern New South Wales coast, to coordinate their planning and training.

Late last week - four months before the tournament's opening game - coach Eddie Jones' squad moved into Camp Wallaby at the Pacific Bay resort to begin twice-daily training sessions in purpose-built facilities.

Jones likened the arrival to a child's first day at school.

"They get their new school bags and uniforms, meet their new teachers and learn a few of the rules."

Jones named his side to play Ireland in Perth this Saturday at the camp yesterday where some wives, children and partners were on hand to congratulate or commiserate.

He said players were encouraged to bring their families to Coffs Harbour, where the team will spend periods of a few days to several weeks this season.

"Normality is a big part of making sure they're ready to play. You've got to let the guys lead as normal a life as possible. It's positive for them to have their partners and children here."

A local car dealer has also made 24 cars available for the players' use and the camp boasts a nine-hole golf course plus a full-sized football field, medical and recovery rooms, spa baths and a volleyball court.

Morgan Turinui is due to make his international debut for Australia against Ireland, but may be ruled out after suffering an abdominal muscle injury yesterday.

The 21-year-old was named at centre for the Subiaco Oval clash but Mat Rogers, who has overcome a broken foot, will come into the squad if Turinui fails to recover.

Queensland's Steve Kefu will partner Turinui at midfield, his first run-on appearance in the test side.

League convert Lote Tuqiri was rewarded for his rapid adjustment to the 15-man game with a position on the bench.

Joe Roff returns on the left wing and Wendell Sailor and Chris Latham comprise the rest of the back three.

Ben Darwin was named on the bench to cover both tight and loosehead prop positions, which have gone to Patricio Noriega and Bill Young.

First five-eighths David Humphreys will captain a new-look Ireland featuring six changes from their last outing, against England in the Six Nations championship in March.

Humphreys will captain the Irish in place of the injured Brian O'Driscoll. Geordan Murphy will switch from fullback to take O'Driscoll's spot at outside centre.

Australia: Chris Latham, Wendell Sailor, Morgan Turinui, Joe Roff, Steve Kefu, Elton Flatley, George Gregan (capt), Toutai Kefu, George Smith, David Lyons, David Giffin, Nathan Sharpe, Patricio Noriega, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young. Res: Chris Whitaker, Nathan Grey, Lote Tuqiri, Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh.

Ireland: Girvan Dempsey, James Topping, Geordan Murphy, Kevin Maggs, John Kelly, David Humphreys (capt), Peter Stringer, Victor Costello, Keith Gleeson, Alan Quinlan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Gary Longwell, Reggie Corrigan, Shane Byrne, Marcus Horan. Reserves to be announced.

- NZPA