Connolly rings the changes

12 April 2012

Wales will face an experimental Australian back division in Saturday's Test at the Millennium Stadium after Wallabies coach John Connolly named Stephen Larkham at inside centre.

Larkham, who has played all his international rugby either at fly-half or full-back, will partner Lote Tuqiri in a new-look Australian midfield.

Mat Rogers is the starting fly-half and, with George Gregan being rested for the tour and Sam Cordingley injured, Matt Giteau takes over at scrum-half.

Cameron Shepherd secured the available wing berth with one of the few impressive displays in Australia's 24-16 defeat to the Ospreys in Swansea on Wednesday night.

Up front, openside flanker Phil Waugh, who captains the side, and lock Nathan Sharpe are the only survivors from the Australian pack demolished in Wales' 24-22 victory 12 months ago.

The front row is made up of 21-stone Queenslander Rodney Blake, hooker Tai McIsaac and Al Baxter, who has switched to the loosehead side.

There is no place in the 22-man squad for George Smith, who captained Australia against the Ospreys.

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