Shepherdson gets Wallabies call

Wales v Australia
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday, 15 September
Kick-off: 1400 BST
Live coverage on BBC Radio 5live, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru & the BBC Sport website

Australia have brought Guy Shepherdson and Drew Mitchell into their side for Saturday's crunch Pool B showdown with Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Hooker Shepherdson replaces Al Baxter, Mitchell taking Adam Ashley-Cooper's place on the wing in a strong XV.

Both demoted players are on the bench, but Ashley-Cooper's toe injury means he could drop out for Julian Huxley.

Coach John Connolly has kept experienced back-rower Phil Waugh on the bench, George Smith starting.

The selection has a strong and experienced look, with George Gregan and Stephen Larkham at half-back, Matt Giteau starting in his usual position of inside centre.

Wallabies wing Mark Gerrard was ruled out of the World Cup after rupturing a knee in Saturday's opening 91-3 win over Japan in Lyon, utility back Cameron Shepherd called into the squad in his place.

Australia team to play Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday: Chris Latham; Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan; Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Guy Shepherdson, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Wycliff Palu.
Replacements: Adam Freier, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Stephen Hoiles, Phil Waugh, Scott Staniforth, Julian Huxley or Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Source: BBC Sport