Australia rest Pocock

Australia today made just one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s autumn international against Scotland.

Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans has elected to rest Sunday’s man of the match in the 20-20 draw in Ireland, David Pocock, with George Smith returning as openside flanker.

Pocock’s place in the squad has been taken by Western Force team-mate Richard Brown, with Waratahs loosehead Sekope Kepu also coming in for Matt Dunning on the bench.

Deans believes 21-year-old Pocock needs time to recharge his batteries after starting the recent Tests against New Zealand and Ireland, while also coming off the bench against England.

“David had an outstanding game, and was deservedly man of the match in Dublin, but he did get knocked around a bit,” said Deans of Pocock, who spent the final eight minutes of Sunday’s game in the blood bin with a chin gash that required stitched after the game.

“Because of that, we decided it was prudent to give him a complete breather at this point. We’re in the fortunate position of having George in form and ready to go.”

Of the promotions of Brown and Kepu, Deans added: “Everyone is working really hard, but the enthusiasm that ’Browny’ and ’Keps’ in particular have brought to their work, both in the tour match at Gloucester and through training, has been first rate.

“They have earned this opportunity to return to the Test arena.”

Australia have not lost to Scotland since 1982, winning the last 16 meetings between the sides.

Deans said: “They’re playing at home, have nothing to lose, and much to gain.

“They’ll bring a lot of enthusiasm and hunger to Saturday. They’ll also be very physical, totally committed and well organised.”

And Deans is wary of opposite number Andy Robinson, who helped coach England to World Cup glory against Australia six years ago.

“Andy’s record as a coach is outstanding and he’ll do some very good things with Scotland,” Deans said.

“They started with a win last weekend over Fiji, but I’m sure they will have kept a few things up their sleeve for us!”

Team: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies); Peter Hynes, (Queensland Reds), Digby Ioane, (Queensland Reds), Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds), Drew Mitchell (NSW Waratahs); Matt Giteau (Brumbies), Will Genia (Queensland Reds); Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), James Horwill (Queensland Reds), Mark Chisholm (Brumbies), Rocky Elsom (Brumbies, capt), George Smith (Brumbies), Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs).

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs), Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs), Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs), Richard Brown (Western Force), Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs), Ryan Cross (Western Force), James O’Connor (Western Force).