Barbarians v Australia
Battered Wallabies set to call on fresh legs
Scrum.com
December 2, 2008
James O'Connor pictured during the Wallabies training session at Latymer Upper School London, England on November 10, 2008.
James O'Connor is set for another tour run-out against the Barbarians at Wembley © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Robbie Deans
Tournaments/Tours: Australia tour
Teams: Australia

Australia coach Robbie Deans is set to give his fringe players an opportunity to shine against the Barbarians at Wembley on Wednesday night.

The battle-weary Wallabies have paid the price for an attritional five-match tour with several players sidelined by injury for the Olympic Centenary clash.

Captain Stirling Mortlock will miss the game with concussion following a dangerous clash of heads with Wales' Jamie Roberts in last weekend's defeat at the Millennium Stadium. Elsewhere, lock Nathan Sharpe will also be sidelined after battling through the Wales clash with a broken thumb and Peter Hynes misses the match with an eye injury.

In addition, Mark Chisholm (cheekbone), Hugh McMeniman (head knock), Richard Brown (finger) and Quade Cooper (finger) are also battling to be fit.

Flanker George Smith is set to captain a side that Deans has confirmed will include third-string scrum-half Brett Sheehan, second row Peter Kimlin, wing Lote Tuqiri and 18-year-old James O'Connor at fullback. Deans will confirm his line-up on Wednesday.

The Wallabies face a star-studded Barbarians side that will be led by South Africa's John Smit and also include All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Springboks Bryan Habana and Schalk Burger, Wales' IRB Player of the Year Shane Williams and former Australian captain George Gregan.

© Scrum.com

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