Wallabies introduce giant Palu to Test action
Wallabies introduce giant Palu to Test action
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Thursday, 03, Aug 2006 10:11
Australia head coach John Connolly has named giant New South Wales Waratahs flanker Wycliff Palu in his side for what he expects to be a fierce Tri-nations encounter with the Springboks this Saturday.
Palu will stride out to make his first international start at Sydney's Telstra stadium weighing in at 120kg (18 stone 12 pounds) as the Aussies brace themselves for a backlash from the side consigned to a distant third place in the Tri-nations table.
"They'll be a lot more confrontational, a lot more physical. We know what to expect. The game definitely got away from the Springboks last start," said Connolly reflecting on the teams' first match of the tournament which saw the Wallabies waltz to a 49-0 win.
Australia A has been the stage for some fearsome displays by the imposing forward and, after two brief substitute appearance, Palu will now make his first full start.
The beefed-up back row is one of only two changes from the side that suffered a narrow loss to the All-Blacks last time out as Ted McIsaac replaces veteran Jeremy Paul at hooker.
Connolly's counterpart Jake White faces greater pressure with the South Africans still desperately searching for their first win of the competition and the added burden of attempting to retain the Mandela Challenge Plate over the next three games against the Aussies.