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The selectors have made five changes to the team which went down to the Junior All Blacks last weekend in Dunedin, including the introduction of Waratahs scrumhalf Josh Valentine in place of Josh Holmes.
Waratahs flyer Lachie Turner also returns to the starting lineup, while Cameron Shepherd moves from the wing to replace Peter Hewat at fullback.
Western Force flanker David Pocock comes in for the injured Julian Salvi who flies home tomorrow.
Seven members of last week’s Australia A pack have been given another chance to show their wares against the Fijians and press their claims for a call up to the Wallabies World Cup squad.
Head Coach Laurie Fisher said Australia A must bounce back from last week’s 50-0 loss in New Zealand and finish the campaign on a positive note.
“Last week we were disappointing right across the park and all the guys know they need to perform this week to have any chance of getting on the plane to France, so I expect a much more committed effort against Fiji.”
“Berrick Barnes has been given his opportunity at flyhalf and we’ve also brought in Josh Valentine’s experience at the base of the ruck.”
“I’ve opted for speed out wide with Digby Ioane, Lachie Turner and Cameron Shepherd in our back three.”
Australia A’s final Pacific Nations Cup match will be telecast on ABC 2 Digital from 1.30pm.
2007 iRB Pacific Nations Cup
Match: Fiji v Australia A
Venue: National Stadium, Suva
Date: Saturday, 23 June 2007
Kick Off: 3:00pm (1:00pm AEST)
Australia A
Rodney Blake
Tatafu Polota-Nau
Nic Henderson
Alister Campbell (c)
James Horwill
Hugh McMeniman
David Pocock
David Lyons
Josh Valentine
Berrick Barnes
Lachie Turner
Ryan Cross
Junior Pelesasa
Digby Ioane
Cameron Shepherd
Reserves:
Sean Hardman
Gareth Hardy
Dean Mumm
Jone Tawake
Josh Holmes
Sam Norton-Knight
Clinton Schifcofske
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