28 Jun 2013

Wallabies first five gets second chance

12:39 pm on 28 June 2013

The Australia rugby coach Robbie Deans has given James O'Connor another chance at first five eight and promoted Kurtley Beale to start at fullback for the Wallabies' must-win second test against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne on Saturday.

O'Connor struggled in the Wallabies' 23-21 loss in the first test in Brisbane, but has a chance to make amends for the match at Docklands Stadium.

Beale, who started on the bench last week and missed two late shots on goal that could have handed the Wallabies victory, slots into fullback in place of the injured Berrick Barnes.

Christian Leali'ifano, who was knocked out in the first minute of the test has been cleared of concussion and will retain the second five eighth position, while Joe Tomane will start on the left wing in place of the injured Digby Ioane.