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Three Blues Selected To Take on Wallabies

23rd November 2005


Rhys Thomas, Martyn Williams and Robert Sidoli have all been selected in the starting XV for Wales for the fourth and final Autumn Series International against Australia this Saturday (kick off 5pm).

Martyn and Rhys will be making their third starting appearance in a row following good showings against Fiji and South Africa. Mike Phillips is named amongst the replacements once more.

Wales haven't beaten Australia for 18 years and have not won at home against an Australian side since 1981.

Coach Mike Ruddock said,
"This is the final throw of the dice for us before we arrive at the Six Nations and the defence of our Grand Slam crown so we are looking for a positive result.

"Both sides play exciting rugby, Australia are dangerous from any distance and it should be a fast, open game.

"We have been advised to take them on in the scrum, but they look to be much improved in that area - they were quite exceptional against Ireland last week."

Wales Team: G Thomas (Toulouse, capt); D James (Llanelli Scarlets), M Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets), S Parker (Ospreys), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Clermont Auvergne), G Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons); D Jones (Ospreys), R Thomas (Cardiff Blues), C Horsman (Worcester), I Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), R Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), C Charvis (Newcastle), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), M Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: M Davies (Gloucester), A Jones (Ospreys), I Evans (Ospreys), J Thomas (Ospreys), M Phillips (Cardiff Blues), C Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), Lee Byrne (Llanelli Scarlets).

Referee: Tony Spreadbury (England)