Mortlock moves inside

Australia captain Stirling Mortlock will start in the unfamiliar role of inside centre for Saturday’s clash with Ireland.

Wallabies coach John Connolly has re-jigged his back division once again following last weekend’s disappointing 25-18 victory over Italy.

Stephen Larkham returns to fly-half after starting Australia’s last two games at inside centre.

Mortlock shifts inside to take the 12 jersey and will form a powerful midfield partnership with Lote Tuqiri, who has come in off the wing.

Mark Gerrard fills that spot after an impressive midweek performance in Australia’s victory over Ireland A in Limerick.

The only change Connolly has made in the pack sees Phil Waugh return at open-side flanker with George Smith dropping to the bench.

Australia team to play Ireland in Dublin on Saturday:

C Latham (Queensland Reds), C Rathbone (ACT Brumbies), L Tuqiri (NSW Waratahs), S Mortlock (ACT Brumbies, captain), M Gerrard (ACT Brumbies); S Larkham (ACT Brumbies), M Giteau (Western Force); A Baxter (NSW Waratahs), B Cannon (Western Force), G Shepherdson (ACT Brumbies), N Sharpe (Western Force), M Chisholm (ACT Brumbies), R Elsom (NSW Waratahs), P Waugh (NSW Waratahs), W Palu (NSW Waratahs).

Replacements: T McIsaac (Western Force), B Robinson (NSW Waratahs), A Campbell (ACT Brumbies), G Smith (ACT Brumbies), J Valentine (NSW Waratahs), M Rogers (NSW Waratahs), S Staniforth (Western Force).