Wallabies regain three stars for Springboks clash

PERTH – Australia will be boosted by the return of three of their biggest stars to the starting line-up for Saturday’s much-anticipated Tri-Nations Test against in-form South Africa.

The Wallabies opted for experience in the first match of their Tri-nations campaign, picking winger Lote Tuqiri, lock Nathan Sharpe and flanker Wycliff Palu, who all return from injury to face the World Cup winners. Flanker George Smith has also been recalled to the starting line-up, an announcement yesterday said.Tuqiri (knee), Sharpe (groin) and Palu (neck) missed the 40-10 second Test win over France in Brisbane, but their return is timely against a powerful Springboks side who battled to a historic win over the All Blacks in Dunedin.Stephen Hoiles, Dean Mumm and Lachie Turner were all dropped from the side that beat the French, while Phil Waugh makes way for Smith in the starting XV.Australian team: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.Nampa-AFPFlanker George Smith has also been recalled to the starting line-up, an announcement yesterday said.Tuqiri (knee), Sharpe (groin) and Palu (neck) missed the 40-10 second Test win over France in Brisbane, but their return is timely against a powerful Springboks side who battled to a historic win over the All Blacks in Dunedin.Stephen Hoiles, Dean Mumm and Lachie Turner were all dropped from the side that beat the French, while Phil Waugh makes way for Smith in the starting XV.Australian team: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.Nampa-AFP