Pocock rested for Scotland clash

AUSTRALIA have made just one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s autumn international against Scotland.

Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans has elected to rest Sunday’s man-of-the-match in the 20-20 draw in Ireland, David Pocock, with George Smith returning as openside flanker.

Pocock’s place in the squad has been taken by Western Force team-mate Richard Brown, with Waratahs loosehead Sekope Kepu also coming in for Matt Dunning on the bench.

Deans believes 21-year-old Pocock needs time to recharge his batteries after starting the recent Tests against New Zealand and Ireland, while also coming off the bench against England.

Australia have not lost to Scotland since 1982, winning the last 16 meetings between the sides.

Deans said: “They’re playing at home, have nothing to lose, and much to gain.

“They’ll bring a lot of enthusiasm and hunger to Saturday. They’ll also be very physical, totally committed and well organised.”

And Deans is wary of opposite number Andy Robinson, who helped coach England to World Cup glory against Australia six years ago.

“Andy’s record as a coach is outstanding and he’ll do some very good things with Scotland,” Deans said.

“They started with a win last weekend over Fiji, but I’m sure they will have kept a few things up their sleeve for us!”

Meanwhile, Wales have been forced into making a change among their replacements for Saturday’s Test match against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Cardiff Blues lock Bradley Davies is sidelined by an ankle injury suffered in training earlier this week, meaning a call-up for Ospreys forward Jonathan Thomas. Scarlets full-back Morgan Stoddart, meanwhile, has suffered a torn hamstring that means his autumn series is over.

Stoddart was called into the squad earlier this month, and featured among the substitutes against Samoa last Friday.

He did not gain selection for the match-day 22 this weekend.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has made four changes from the team beaten by France last weekend for Saturday’s clash with Italy in Udine.

Loosehead prop Wian du Preez will earn his first Test cap while Adriaan Strauss replaces the injured Bismarck du Plessis at hooker.

Schalk Burger is also sidelined so Danie Rossouw starts on the flank with Andries Bekker at lock.

Prop Tendai Mtawarira and lock Victor Matfield, who started against France, will be used from the bench against Italy while Jean Deysel and Francois Hougaard are in line for their first caps.

BJ Botha, who joined the squad as cover for the injured CJ van der Linde, has also been included on the bench. Botha last played for the Springboks against Wales in June 2008.