Australia captain Stirling Mortlock will face Japan on Saturday. Mortlock had been a doubt because of a back injury which had forced him to miss training, but the 30-year-old will line up with Matt Giteau in midfield. John Connolly has insisted that he always planned to put out the strongest teams in the first 2 pool games and he certainly has a vastly experienced side even with Phil Waugh missing a place in the 22.
Australia Team versus Japan
Backs: Chris Latham, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan
Forwards: Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Wycliff Palu.
Replacements: Adam Freier, Guy Shepherdson, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Hoiles, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Mark Gerrard.