Australia recall George Smith to face England

Thu Nov 5 2009 17:45:59

Australia have announced wholesale changes ahead of the Grand Slam opener against England at Twickenham.

Openside flanker George Smith, who appeared as a replacement in last Saturday's 32-19 defeat by New Zealand in Tokyo, will start in place of David Pocock, who is demoted to the bench, for his 107th cap.

Coach Robbie Deans has selected a new-look midfield partnership in Digby Ioane and Quade Cooper.

Both Wallabies have limited experience at centre - Ioane has played most of his rugby as a winger while Cooper scored 16 points at fly-half in Tuesday's 36-5 win over Gloucester.

Drew Mitchell has been handed the number 11 jersey after scoring two tries at Kingsholm while Adam Ashley Cooper returns at 15.

In total there are only eight survivors from the team that beat England 28-14 in last year's Cook Cup clash at Twickenham, including fly-half Matt Giteau.

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