Wallabies look to blood some younger players

18-year-old utility back James O’Connor has been joined in the extended 34-man touring party by Western Force teammate openside flanker David Pocock, Queensland Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper and NSW Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu.

The selection of Cooper will take some pressure of the inside centre spot should Berick Barnes shoulder play up on the tour. Cooper can move into 10 and Giteau move to centre without weakening the team at all.

In what should be a competitive tour Robbie Deans will no doubt be using Wales as the true test of his charges as the 6 Nations champions will be in full flight by the time the teams meet.

Wallabies Spring Tour Itinerary

Saturday November 1: v New Zealand, Hong Kong
Saturday November 8: v Italy, Padova
Saturday November 15: v England, London (Twickenham)
Saturday November 22: v France, Paris
Saturday November 29: v Wales, Cardiff
Wednesday December 3: v Barbarians, London (Wembley)