Barnes to start flyhalf against NZ
The Australian team for Saturday's opening Castle Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium in Sydney at 12:05pm (CAT, SA, GMT+2) has been named.
Melbourne Rebels utility back Kurtley Beale will start at fullback and with no Quade Cooper in the match 22, Berrick Barnes will start in the flyhalf position. Despite being injured for most of the season Drew Mitchell makes it to the match day 22 and he will start the game on the bench.
Team: Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Anthony Faingaa, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, David Pocock (capt), Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota Nau, Benn Robinson.
Replacements: Stephen Moore, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Radike Samo, Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Drew Mitchell.
