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rugby league news
4 November 2009
Aussies ring the changes
Australia have made seven changes for Saturday's Gillette Four Nations match against France in Paris.
Coach Tim Sheens brings in centres Josh Morris and Michael Jennings and scrum half Cooper Cronk for their first appearances of the series, which means that all 24 players will have had run-outs by the end of the three group matches.
Morris, who will partner his twin brother Brett, and Jennings will win their first caps, although the latter has played three times for Tonga.
Sheens, whose side still need to beat France to secure their place in the Elland Road final on Saturday week, has retained his experienced half-back pairing of skipper Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston to give them another chance to sharpen their act.
But he has chosen to rest Brisbane centre Justin Hodges and star Melbourne trio Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, along with forwards Paul Gallen, Brett White and Anthony Watmough, who picked up knocks in the 26-16 win over England on Saturday.
Kurt Gidley, Trent Waterhouse, Ryan Hoffman and Sam Thaiday all get the chance to press their claims for places in the final should Australia win at the Charlety Stadium.
Australia: Gidley (Newcastle); B Morris (St George Illawarra), J Morris (Canterbury), Jennings (Penrith), Hayne (Parramatta); Lockyer (Brisbane, capt), Thurston (North Queensland); Civoniceva (Penrith), Farah (Wests Tigers), Hannant (Canterbury), Waterhouse (Penrith), Hoffman (Melbourne), Hindmarsh (Parramatta).
Subs: Cronk (Melbourne), Lewis (Penrith), Shillington (Canberra), Thaiday (Brisbane).
