O'Connor to start against Barbarians

James O'Connor will start his first match for Australia in tomorrow night's clash against the Barbarians at Wembley. At 18 years and 126 days, O'Connor became the second youngest player to play for the Wallabies when he came on as a substitute against Italy last month.

But he was today named in the starting XV at fullback by coach Robbie Deans. The Barbarians have traditionally fielded one uncapped player in major matches, and the Wallabies have followed suit with the naming of the Brumbies lock Peter Kimlin among the run on reserves.

A replacement for injured second rower James Horwill from the original touring party, Kimlin will play his first, albeit non-cap, match for the Wallabies if called into the action.

Waratahs half-back Brett Sheehan will also make his first appearance of the tour as Deans fulfils his promise to give every member of the squad playing time.

George Smith will lead the side in the absence of injured skipper Stirling Mortlock. The job is not new for Smith, having already captained Australia in July for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks.

Australia : J O'Connor; L Tuqiri, R Cross, A Ashley-Cooper, D Ioane; Q Cooper, B Sheehan; S Kepu, T Polota-Nau, M Dunning; M Chisholm, H McMeniman; D Mumm, G Smith, R Brown. Replacements : A Freier, B Alexander, P Kimlin, D Pocock, L Burgess, L Turner, D Mitchell.