Australia recall Smith to face Scotland 

Source: PhotosportGeorge Smith

George Smith has been restored as openside flanker in the only change to Australia's starting team to face Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

In the side announced on Friday Smith returns to win his 109th cap in place of David Pocock, who was man of the match in last Monday's 20-20 draw with Ireland.

Pocock, 21, is rested completely, with Richard Brown, who will cover number eight and openside flanker, on the bench.

The other change among the replacements is the inclusion of loosehead prop Sekope Kepu, replacing Matt Dunning.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said Pocock was rested due to the busy workload he had undergone on the tour, having also started against New Zealand in Tokyo and coming off the bench to play against England.

"David had an outstanding game and was deservedly man of the match in Dublin but he did get knocked around a bit," Deans said in a statement.

"Because of that, we decided it was prudent to give him a complete breather at this point. We're in the fortunate position of having George in form and ready to go.

"Everyone is working really hard, but the enthusiasm that `Browny' and `Keps' in particular have brought to their work, both in the tour match at Gloucester and through training, has been first rate. They have earned this opportunity to return to the test arena," Deans said.

Australia have won their last 16 meetings with the Scots, last losing in 1982, but Deans said they remained a danger.

"They're playing at home, have nothing to lose, and much to gain," he said.

"They'll bring a lot of enthusiasm and hunger to Saturday. They'll also be very physical, totally committed and well organised."

It is the Scots' second game under Andy Robinson following last week's 23-10 win over Fiji and Dean holds the former England coach in high regard.

"Andy's record as a coach is outstanding and he'll do some very good things with Scotland," he said.

"They started with a win over Fiji but I'm sure they will have kept a few things up their sleeve for us."

Australia's hopes of a grand slam disappeared with Ireland's last-minute equalising try but they still aim to complete the tour unbeaten, finishing against Wales next week

Australia: 15-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14-Peter Hynes, 13-Digby Ioane, 12-Quade Cooper, 11-Drew Mitchell, 10-Matt Giteau, 9-Will Genia; 8-Wycliff Palu, 7-George Smith, 6-Rocky Elsom (captain), 5-Mark Chisholm, 4-James Horwill, 3-Ben Alexander, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-Benn Robinson

Replacements: 16-Tatafu Polota Nau, 17-Sekope Kepu, 18-Dean Mumm, 19-Richard Brown, 20-Luke Burgess, 21-Ryan Cross, 22-James O'Connor