Shepherdson handed debut against Ireland

Guy Shepherdson has been handed a Test debut by Australia coach John Connolly for the clash against Ireland on Saturday in Perth.

The 24-year-old Brumbies tighthead prop has been rewarded for a fine Super 14 season.

“He played pretty well through the Super 14 and we were impressed with him during our initial camp,” said Connolly.

“He’s got the capacity to learn a lot more and develop his game.”

Team: Chris Latham; Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri; George Gregan (captain), Stephen Larkham; Greg Holmes, Tai McIsaac, Guy Shepherdson, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Mark Chisholm, George Smith, Rocky Elsom.

Replacements: Jeremy Paul, Al Baxter, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Clyde Rathbone, Cameron Shepherd.