Australia coach Robbie Deans has called on the experienced internationals in his team to prove their worth in Saturday’s Tri-Nations match with South Africa in Perth.
Deans, going into his fourth match at the helm, selected wing Lote Tuqiri, number eight Wycliff Palu, flanker George Smith and second row Nathan Sharpe in the starting line-up for the Wallabies’ opening Tri-Nations bout against the world champions at the Subiaco Oval.
The fixture will be South Africa’s last before returning home after two matches in New Zealand, the second of which resulted in a 30-28 triumph in Dunedin.
The Springboks will be on a high following their first win at Carisbrook and Deans has called on his experienced charges to step up and perform.
"This is our first Tri-Nations Test and we are conscious of the fact that it’s going to be a step up from what we’ve encountered to date,” said Deans. “When you get into those circumstances, to have as many blokes around you that have some kilometres on the clock is valuable.
"It’s valuable in that they have been there before, but that’s probably where it ends. If they don’t bring the enthusiasm and value from their previous experience forward and apply it well then it won’t be much value at all."
