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Australia coach makes five changes

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ROME, Italy -- Australia coach John Connolly has made five changes to the side which drew 29-29 with Wales, for Saturday's test against Italy.

Brendan Cannon takes over as hooker from Tai McIsaac and prop Guy Shepherdson steps in for Rodney Blake at tighthead prop.

Lock Mark Chisholm, who was on the bench against Wales, wins a starting place as does flanker George Smith who replaces Phil Waugh.

Lote Tuqiri, who played outside center against the Welsh, moves to inside center

Captain Stirling Mortlock, fit again after more than a month recovering from knee surgery, returns to the team as Connolly's fifth change.

Cameron Shepherd, who scored two tries against Wales, is included among the replacements.

Springboks pick rookies

South Africa include rookies Bevin Fortuin, Jaco Pretorius and Francois Steyn in the team to play Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Fortuin will play at full-back, Pretorious will start at right wing but can play outside center, while 19-year-old Steyn is on the left wing but may spend time at fly-half or full-back.

Springbok manager Zola Yeye said Wednesday they were picked with a view to next year's World Cup.

"As we prepare for France 2007, we want to make sure that we have the necessary depth to provide ourselves as many options as possible," Yeye said. "The three new players represent that vision. We are confident that they will represent the country with pride."

John Smit will be captain for the 36th time in his 40th straight test -- a record for most consecutive tests played by a Springbok.

The Springboks will be wearing replicas of the 1906 green-and-white jersey, with no sponsor's logo, to commemorate their 100-year history.

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