0
Now we are getting somewhere!!!
Trestle can still cause issues from the bench however at least we should get sixty odd minutes of stress free scrummaging!
Mitchell and Shepherd are unlucky (or injured?) to miss a Cap and interesting to note there is only two Backs which had been hinted at previously.
Also Blake stiff not to get a shot at least from the bench however Shepherdson has done little wrong and Robinson has earnt his spot too.
Let's go boys!!!
Wallabies to play Scotland:
- Benn Robinson
- Stephen Moore
- Guy Shepherdson
- Nathan Sharpe
- Al Campbell
- Rocky Elsom
- George Smith
- David Lyons
- Matt Giteau
- Stephen Larkham
- Lote Tuqiri
- Scott Staniforth
- Stirling Mortlock (captain)
- Mark Gerrard
- Chris Latham
- Tatafu Polota-Nau
- Al Baxter
- Mark Chisholm
- Phil Waugh
- Wycliff Palu
- Josh Valentine
- Mat Rogers
Staniforth caps renaissance season
From Darren Walton in Edinburgh
November 22, 2006
SCOTT Staniforth thought his modest Test career was over when he left Australia to play for London Irish last year.
But Staniforth enjoyed a spectacular return season with Western Force in the inaugural Super 14, and his continuing strong form on the Wallabies' spring tour of Europe has seen him selected at inside centre for Australia's final Test of the year.
The converted wing will make his sixth Test appearance seven years after his first when he partners Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock in the midfield against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday (AEDT).
"I suppose the flame has always been there to play (for Australia again), but when I left I probably thought it was all over," Staniforth said.
"So it's good to get back into the fold and I've really enjoyed this year."
Staniforth, who spent eight years with New South Wales before his stint with London Irish, can't quite believe how well 2006 has transpired after he and wife Emma returned to Australia to have their third child and to be closer to family.
Staniforth, 29, started as a wing for Force, and he played at inside centre - his new preferred position - only following a succession of injuries at the fledgling franchise.
"I started on the wing, the second week was 13 and the week after that I was 12," Staniforth said.
The move proved so successful that Staniforth was named Force's player of the year after finishing the Super 14 as the leading try scorer for an Australian team, with nine five-pointers.
He made a seven-minute cameo in the Wallabies' final Tri-Nations match, against South Africa in Johannesburg, and earned a starting spot against Scotland after scoring the match-winning try in Australia A's last-minute victory over Ireland A in Limerick.
Staniforth's heroics took place at the same Thomond Park ground on which he made his debut for Australia with a two-try performance against the US at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Staniforth enjoys a physical game and Wallabies selectors believe his straight running and powerful defence will be perfect for what are expected to be more cold, wet and windy conditions this weekend.
He described his Test selection as the most satisfying of his rollercoaster career.
"They're all different, but it's good to work your way in - and that was the goal straight after Super 14," Staniforth said.
"I really wanted to have a crack in the centres in this side.
"In '99, I was part of the squad and then after that it took me until 2002 in Italy (to get my second cap).
"A few injuries happened so I got an opportunity there.
"At the moment, we've got a full deck on board so it's good to get an opportunity when everyone is fit."
AAP