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Friday, 3 November, 2000, 14:52 GMT

Tallis to lead Kangaroos



Brad Fittler is rested for the Russia game
Controversial second-row forward Gorden Tallis will captain Australia for the first time when the Lincoln World Cup favourites take on Russia in their final group match at Hull on Saturday night.

The volatile forward has been involved in a number of on-field incidents during his career and the move by coach Chris Anderson may be seen as a gamble.

Anderson has decided to rest skipper Brad Fittler after he played in the earlier group games against England and Fiji.

Aside from resting Fittler there are nine other changes to the side that beat Fiji 66-8 on Wednesday.

Fullback Darren Lockyer (groin) and winger Mat Rogers (shoulder) also sit out the match after picking up slight injuries.

Anderson was forced to make a late change to his selected squad when prop Jason Stevens twisted an ankle playing indoor soccer and his place on the bench is taken by Ben Kennedy.


Team: MacDougall; Croker, Girdler, Gidley, Sailor; Barrett, Kimmorley; Webcke, Johns, Kearns, Tallis (capt), Fletcher, Hill. Subs: Gower, Hindmarsh, Vella, Kennedy.


Related to this story:
England must learn from Aussies (03 Nov 00 | Group 1)
Aussies arrogant by right (01 Nov 00 | Group 1)
Awesome Aussies flatten Fiji (01 Nov 00 | Group 1)

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