Wales v Australia, Millennium Stadium
Barnes fit for Wales clash
ESPNscrum Staff
November 28, 2011
Berrick Barnes crosses the tryline to give Australia the edge over Wales in the opening stages of the bronze final, Rugby World Cup, Australia v Wales, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, October 21, 2011
Berrick Barnes is set to line-up alongside James O'Connor in the Wallabies backline against Wales © Getty Images
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Australia expect Berrick Barnes and Ben McCalman to be fit for their test match with Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Barnes suffered a back injury during the Wallabies' 60-11 victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham last weekend. While x-rays revealed no major damage, the playmaker was expected to miss the match against Wales with Ben Tapuai ready to deputise.

However Australia officials confirmed that his condition has improved significantly and he should be fit for the game. In a further boost for the Wallabies, McCalman, who was a late withdrawal from the Barbarians clash, has recovered from an eye infection. McCalman is set to be named at No.8 with David Dennis stepping down to the bench.

Tatafu Polota-Nau is set to start at hooker ahead of Stephen Moore again and the No.2 believes the competition between the two can only benefit the Wallabies.

"Whether I'm starting or playing off the bench, it doesn't really matter," he said. "For me, it's just another great reason to put on that gold jersey and smash anyone who doesn't wear it.

''It has got to the point where we say to each other, 'Let's just rock off to see who gets the starting spot'. But in the end, we leave that decision up to the coaches and let them decide.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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