The Serve

Phil Waugh sacked for Berrick Barnes

Wallabies coach John Connolly has sprung a surprise ahead of their world cup opener against Japan, by handing 21 year old Queenslander Berrick Barnes his test debut, at the expense of vice captain Phil Waugh.

Guy Shepherdson has been replaced by Al Baxter in the starting XV, but remains in the 22 despite battling a knee injury in the lead up.

Wallabies team v Japan (Sunday morning AEST)

15. Chris Latham

14. Adam Ashley Cooper

13. Stirling Mortlock (c)

12. Matt Giteau

11. Lote Tuqiri

10. Steve Larkham

9. George Gregan

8. Wycliff Palu

7. George Smith

6. Rocky Elsom

5. Dan Vickerman

4. Nathan Sharpe

3. Al Baxter

2. Stephen Moore

1. Matt Dunning

Reserves

Adam Freier

Guy Shepherdson

Hugh McMeniman

Stephen Hoiles

Berrick Barnes

Mark Gerrard

Drew Mitchell