Pocock gets nod for Wallabies

Openside David Pocock gets the nod over George Smith as the only change to the Wallabies starting side named today for Sunday’s Test against Ireland at Croke Park.

The side will be led for just the third time by Rocky Elsom, who makes his return to Dublin as the captain of his country, after starring earlier in the year for Leinster during their run to the European Cup title.

"The game in Ireland is on a massive high at the moment," said Wallaby coach Robbie Deans.

"Ireland did the Six Nations Grand Slam earlier in the year, while the country has also provided the last two European Cup winners. The Irish team has momentum – having won its last eight Test matches – and it has the confidence that mastering the art of winning consistently brings. Playing them now is a great challenge, but one that we are all looking forward to."

AUSTRALIA (v Ireland):

15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)

14. Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds)

13. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)

12. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)

11. Drew Mitchell (NSW Waratahs)

10. Matt Giteau (Brumbies)

9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)

8. Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)

7. David Pocock (Western Force)

6. Rocky Elsom (Brumbies, captain)

5. Mark Chisholm (Brumbies)

4. James Horwill (Queensland Reds)

3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)

2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)

1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)

Replacements:

16. Tatafu Polota Nau (NSW Waratahs)

17. Matt Dunning (Western Force)

18. Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs)

19. George Smith (Brumbies)

20. Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs)

21. Ryan Cross (Western Force)

22. James O’Connor (Western Force).