Skipper back for Wallabies

Mortlock given green light to face New Zealand

Last updated: 29th July 2008

Skipper back for Wallabies

Mortlock: Fit again

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Australia captain Stirling Mortlock has been cleared to face New Zealand in Saturday's Tri-Nations encounter.

Centre Mortlock missed the 34-19 victory over the All Blacks in Sydney after suffering a blow to the head against South Africa.

However, he will lead the side out in Auckland with Ryan Cross dropping to the bench and Timana Tahu out of the squad.

Rocky Elsom has been ruled out through injury, meaning Phil Waugh will team up with George Smith in the back-row - with coach Robbie Deans pleased to pair the duo together.

"They're two quality players, it's good to get both of them on the ground," Deans said.

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Stirling Mortlock (capt), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 1 Benn Robinson, 2 Stephen Moore, 3 Al Baxter, 4 James Horwill, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 6 Phil Waugh, 7 George Smith, 8 Wycliff Palu.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Hugh McMeniman, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Drew Mitchell.