SYDNEY – Star winger Lote Tuqiri was dropped on Tuesday from Australia’s team to face the Barbarians, raising questions about his international future at the age of 29.
The 67-Test veteran paid the price for a spell of lacklustre form with NSW Waratahs as club team-mate Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell were named on the wings for Saturday’s match in Sydney.
Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson wins a debut Wallabies appearance while coach Robbie Deans handed a bench spot to 18-year-old back James O’Connor.
Deans, who has one eye on upcoming home matches against Italy and France, retains Stirling Mortlock as captain alongside Berrick Barnes in the centres and flyhalf Matt Giteau.
Queensland Reds captain James Horwill returns to the second row after missing last year’s northern hemisphere tour with an ankle injury.
The Barbarians feature former rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams and ex-England captain Martin Corry, who will retire after the match.
– Nampa-AFP
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