Elsom free to play after suspension overturned
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Rocky Elsom has been cleared to play against the Boks in Johannesburg. (Getty Images: David Rogers)
Wallabies flanker Rocky Elsom won his appeal against a one-week suspension for dangerous play on Thursday evening and was minutes later included in the team for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Elsom was suspended for one week by a SANZAR judiciary after tackling Springboks skipper Victor Matfield in the air during the victorious Tri-Nations match in Durban.
At a hearing on Monday, Elsom was banned for one week.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans did not hesitate to include his star flanker - who has been man of the match in both Tests against South Africa this year - in his side when it was named late Thursday.
But Deans, having won last weekend, made five changes to his side for the Ellis Park showdown.
Adam Ashley-Cooper returns at ful-lback in place of Drew Mitchell, Timana Tahu takes the place of the injured Berrick Barnes, Phil Waugh starts ahead of George Smith, Hugh McMenimen wins a starting place in the second row for the injured Dan Vickerman, while Tatafu Polota-Nau will wear the number two jersey.
"We feel there is a need to bring in some fresh legs for this match," said Wallabies coach Deans, explaining his reasons for the changes. "Last weekend's win took a lot out of the guys."
The Wallabies will be looking for their first Test triumph in Johannesburg since 1963.
Australia:
Adam Ashley-Cooper; Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri; Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom; Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill; Matt Dunning, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.
Replacements: Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.
-AFP
