Rugby Championship: Shipperley set to make Australia debut against South Africa

Under fire Australia coach Robbie Deans has made five changes to his side following the 22-0 defeat to New Zealand two weeks ago.

Robbie Deans, the Wallabies coach, hopes for home advantage against New Zealand tomorrow. Daniel Munoz / Reuters
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Winger Dom Shipperley is set to make his Australia debut against South Africa this weekend after he was named as one of five changes from the team that was blanked by New Zealand.

The 21-year-old Queensland Red has been called up to replace the injured Drew Mitchell, who faces a year out after re-injuring an ankle, for Saturday night's Rugby Championship match in Perth.

Kurtley Beale has been recalled at full-back after he was left on the bench for the 22-0 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland a fortnight ago.

Beale came in for criticism after an error-strewn performance during the Wallabies 27-19 loss to New Zealand in their opener the week before.

"The biggest disappointment in Sydney was I was trying too hard and I just didn't focus on my job," Beale told reporters today.

"I just have to focus on doing my job well for the team and not try to do other roles that I'm not required to do.

"If I just make it as simple as I can when I go out there to play, like I have in the last few years, it makes my job a whole lot easier. The simpler it is the better for me."

Beale's return has meant that Adam Ashley-Cooper switches to outside centre with Rob Horne dropping out of the 22-man squad.

Radike Samo will start at number eight in place of Scott Higginbotham, who drops to the bench, where he will be joined by hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and inside back Mike Harris.

Australia, without a point and bottom of the standings after two rounds, must defeat the Springboks to keep their slim title hopes alive in the inaugural Rugby Championship, which sees Argentina debut in the southern hemisphere tournament.

Australia starting XV: Kurtley Beale; Dom Shipperley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane; Quade Cooper, Will Genia (c); Radike Samo, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Nick Phipps, Mike Harris, Anthony Faingaa.

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