Deans resists changes for Italy game

Australia coach Robbie Deans has retained the line-up that beat New Zealand last time out for next Sunday’s World Cup Pool C game against Italy in Auckland.

The Wallabies’ victory in Brisbane meant they arrived at the World Cup as Tri-Nations champions.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau’s return to the bench at the expense of Saia Faingaa means Faingaa and his twin brother Anthony will have to wait a little longer to become the first twins to play for Australia at a Rugby World Cup.

Team: K Beale; A Ashley-Cooper, A Faingaa, P McCabe, D Ioane; Q Cooper, W Genia; S Kepu, S Moore, B Alexander, D Vickerman, J Horwill (capt), R Elsom, D Pocock, R Samo.

Replacements: T Polota-Nau, J Slipper, R Simmons, B McCalman, S Higginbotham, L Burgess, J O’Connor.