Aussies make 11 changes for Canada game

With Australia already guaranteed a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, head coach John Connolly has taken the opportunity to make 11 changes for Saturday’s final Pool B match against Canada.

Flanker George Smith will captain the side and Julian Huxley takes over at fly-half, with Berrick Barnes rested and Stephen Larkham out injured.

Wingers Drew Mitchell and Lote Tuqiri, who is still hunting his first try of the tournament, centre Adam Ashley-Cooper and lock Mark Chisholm are the only players retained from Australia’s 55-12 win over Fiji.

Scott Stanforth, who lasted just two minutes as a replacement against Fiji before sustaining a shoulder injury, is included at inside centre.

Australia team to play Canada in Bordeaux on Saturday: C Shepherd; D Mitchell, A Ashley-Cooper, S Staniforth, L Tuqiri; J Huxley, S Cordingley; G Holmes, A Freier, A Baxter, N Sharpe, M Chisholm, H McMeniman, G Smith (capt), D Lyons.

Replacements: S Hardman, G Shepherdson, R Elsom, P Waugh, S Hoiles, G Gregan, C Latham.