Aussies shuffle the pack

Australia coach Eddie Jones today made just one enforced change to the Wallabies side that beat Argentina in the World Cup’s opening game – but sprung an unexpected surprise on the bench.

Dan Vickerman will replace injured lock David Giffin for Saturday’s clash against Pool A minnows Romania in Brisbane.

Stirling Mortlock is back in the squad for the first time since the November tour, but his inclusion on the bench came at the expense of perennial scrum-half reserve Chris Whitaker rather than winger Lote Tuqiri.

The reshuffle leaves Matt Giteau to cover scrum-half, fly-half and inside-centre from the bench.

Mortlock, who underwent a shoulder reconstruction at the end of the Super 12 season, missed out on Australia’s opening World Cup game after contracting a stomach bug.

But fit for selection, Jones was compelled to include the 26-year-old in his squad, forcing a reshuffle in the make-up of the replacements bench.

“I can assure you that Chris will get plenty of game time next week but with Stirling easing his way back on the bench and Lote Tuqiri needing more game experience we had to go this way,” said Jones.

Mat Rogers retains the full-back jersey, with Chris Latham not in the 22, and Matt Burke will start again at outside centre.

Lock Justin Harrison returns from a year-long absence to take a spot on the bench, while Phil Waugh takes on Giffin’s role as vice-captain.

Team: M Rogers, W Sailor, M Burke, E Flatley, J Roff; S Larkham, G Gregan (captain); B Young, B Cannon, A Baxter, D Vickerman, N Sharpe, G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons.

Replacements: J Paul, B Darwin, J Harrison, M Cockbain, M Giteau, S Mortlock, L Tuqiri.