Scrum of the Earth /

Could Robbie have done it again? In another tactical masterstroke from Deans when minutes after Graham Henry turned his hand with the return of Richie McCaw, Mr. five from five, played his ace, announcing the king of the turnover, Phil Waugh would partner George Smith and the indestructible Wycliff Palu in what appears to be an even stronger Wallaby back-row.

The excellent Rocky Elsom has a sore foot, thus allowing the influential Waratahs flank-forward to don the number six jersey in what could be the shrewdest move of business since dot.com giants, Yahoo bought the Penguin Club.

Stirling Mortlock displaces the unfortunate Ryan Cross, although the captain's return is no surprise. Ma'a Nonu missed Conrad Smith in Sydney, but the Australian talisman's timely recovery will bolster the impressive gold midfield and endeavor to nullify the threat of last year's Super 14 kingpin all-Hurricane midfield.

Hugh McMeniman comes onto the bench - otherwise it is the same side that trumped every New Zealand hand in the Bledisloe Cup opener.

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Stirling Mortlock (c), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Phil Waugh, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.

Reserves: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Hugh McMeniman, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Drew Mitchell.