Aussies drop Turinui
Morgan Turinui, a try-scorer in yesterday’s 34-13 victory over Scotland, has been dropped from the Australia squad to take on England in next Saturday’s World Cup final rematch.
The NSW Waratahs inside centre only started after Matt Giteau was struck down by the flu but paid the price for his defensive frailties when coach Eddie Jones trimmed his squad down to 26 men.
And the international career of Newcastle’s new signing Matt Burke would seem to have reached an end with Jones also ditching the the experienced utility back from the squad.
“It was always our intention to cut the squad back ahead of this week’s match and I feel it will really help with our preparation,” said Jones.
“Saturday’s Test is obviously a high point this season, and we know our preparation over the next couple of days is important.”
Turinui and Burke will be available to play for NSW against the Pacific Islanders on Friday at Aussie Stadium.
Scrum-half Chris Whitaker will join the Wallabies in camp in Coffs Harbour to continue his recovery from a knee injury, but is not expected to be available for selection for the England Test.
The 26-man Australia squad to play England in Brisbane on Saturday is:
Forwards: Alastair Baxter, Brendan Cannon, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Justin Harrison, Nic Henderson, David Lyons, Jeremy Paul, John Roe, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Bill Young.
Backs: Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, George Gregan (c), Matt Henjak, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, Stirling Mortlock, Clyde Rathbone, Joe Roff, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri.
