Deans backs new-look midfield

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans has backed the new-look midfield combination of Berrick Barnes and Matt Giteau to thrive ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster clash against New Zealand in Melbourne.

With star playmaker Quade Cooper to serve a two-match ban for a dangerous tackle in last week’s win over South Africa, the in-form Giteau will shift to fly-half, with Barnes promoted to the starting line-up at inside-centre.

The Giteau-Barnes combination has featured in 15 of the 33 Tests played in the Deans era, but they have not started a Test together since the final Tri Nations clash against the All Blacks in Wellington last September.