Rugby-Wallabies bring in Pocock for Ireland match

Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:08pm GMT
 
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LONDON, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Australia named flanker David Pocock in place of George Smith for the match against Ireland at Croke Park on Sunday, the only change to their starting lineup for the 18-9 victory over England last weekend.

Smith steps down to the replacements bench, allowing Pocock, 21, to make his fifth test start and win his 14th cap.

Coach Robbie Deans said the Wallabies would have to raise their performance from Saturday's Twickenham encounter when they face the Six Nations champions in Dublin.

"Getting a result last weekend was a great confidence booster for the whole squad, but we know that the standard we produced last week won't be good enough against this Irish team," Deans said on Wednesday.

"There was an uncertainty about England, in terms of the transitional nature of their development as a team, that doesn't pertain to Ireland.

"The Irish are an established and experienced combination who are used to, and expect to win, every time that they play."

Ireland have beaten Australia in two of their last three encounters on Irish soil -- 18-9 in 2002 and 21-6 in 2006.

Team:

15-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14-Peter Hynes, 13-Digby Ioane, 12-Quade Cooper, 11-Drew Mitchell, 10-Matt Giteau, 9-Will Genia, 8-Wycliff Palu, 7-David Pocock, 6-Rocky Elsom (captain), 5-Mark Chisholm, 4-James Horwill, 3-Ben Alexander, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-Benn Robinson.  Continued...

 

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