13 Jul 2011

Wallabies rest Cooper and Genia for first test

6:12 pm on 13 July 2011

Australia's rested the inside back pairing of Quade Cooper and Will Genia for their first rugby test of the year against Samoa in Sydney this weekend.

Cooper and Genia, who were an integral part of the Queensland Reds side which won the Super rugby title at the weekend and will be replaced by the experienced Matt Giteau at first five and Nick Phipps, who'll make his first test start at halfback.

Flanker Rocky Elsom returns from injury to captain the side.

In addition to flanker Elsom's playing only his second match of the year, Mark Gerrard will start at fullback and lock Dan Vickerman is in the reserves after several years out of test rugby.

An injury to prop Benn Robinson at training yesterday might see Al Baxter make his return to the international arena to win his 70th Wallabies cap.