Australia drop Smith to bench for All Blacks test

Australia flanker George Smith has been relegated to the bench in one of three changes for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against New Zealand as the Wallabies bid to revive their flagging chances of winning the series.

Smith, who was Australia's outstanding player in the Super 14, has been replaced by Phil Waugh at openside while Jeremy Paul comes in at hooker for Tai McIsaac and Clyde Rathbone returns to the wing in place of Mark Gerrard from the starting side that scraped to a 20-18 victory over South Africa on August 5th.

"There were some very tough selection decisions, particularly in the back row, but we feel that Phil Waugh deserves his opportunity in the starting team," coach John Connolly said in a statement.

New Zealand have named utility back Isaia Toeava at centre for the clash with Mils Muliaina reverting to fullback.

Toeava, who played fullback for the Wellington Hurricanes during the Super 14, played centre for the All Blacks against Argentina in Buenos Aires in June and for Auckland last weekend in the national provincial championship, reportedly at the request of All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

Muliaina, who had played the majority of his tests at fullback before moving to centre for the Tri-Nations, has dropped back to his normal position with Leon MacDonald moving onto the bench.

Lock Jason Eaton and right wing Doug Howlett have also reclaimed their places in the starting lineup, replacing Ali Williams and Rico Gear.

The Wallabies have lost both encounters to New Zealand this year, ensuring the Bledisloe Cup remains in Wellington, and were heavily criticised after the shabby victory over South Africa.

But Connolly believes his side can lift their game and repeat the performance which saw them fall to a hard-fought 13-9 loss to the All Blacks in Brisbane last month.

"We were very close (to a win in Brisbane) but you need to take all of your opportunities against New Zealand. They give you very little," he said.

Australia: 15-Chris Latham; 14-Clyde Rathbone, 13-Stirling Mortlock, 12-Matt Giteau, 11-Lote Tuqiri; 10-Stephen Larkham, 9-George Gregan (capt); 8-Wycliff Palu, 7-Phil Waugh, 6-Rocky Elsom, 5-Dan Vickerman, 4-Nathan Sharpe, 3-Rodney Blake, 2-Jeremy Paul, 1-Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16-Tai McIsaac, 17-Al Baxter, 18-Mark Chisholm, 19-George Smith, 20-Brett Sheehan, 21-Mark Gerrard, 22-Mat Rogers.

New Zealand: 15-Mils Muliaina; 14-Doug Howlett, 13-Isaia Toeava, 12-Aaron Mauger, 11-Joe Rokocoko; 10-Dan Carter, 9-Byron Kelleher; 8-Rodney So'oialo, 7-Richie McCaw (captain), 6-Jerry Collins, 5-Jason Eaton, 4-Chris Jack, 3-Carl Hayman, 2-Keven Mealamu, 1-Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16-Andrew Hore, 17-Greg Somerville, 18-Ali Williams, 19-Chris Masoe, 20-Piri Weepu, 21-Luke McAlister, 22-Leon MacDonald.