Rugby: Moore promoted to start against All Blacks

The Wallabies suffered another injury setback just before tonight's Bledisloe Cup rugby test, with starting hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau relegated to the bench due to injury.

Stephen Moore was promoted to start the test against the All Blacks, with Polota-Nau shifted to the reserves due to a sore achilles tendon.

He was passed fit to take his place on the bench after a fitness test an hour before kickoff.

There was also a late change to the All Blacks' bench, with 20-year-old Zac Guildford promoted for a potential test debut yesterday after Tamati Ellison was ruled out with a minor calf strain.

The Wallabies' latest injury drama follows yesterday's decision to send vice-captain Berrick Barnes back home for ankle surgery that will sideline him for several months.

Young centre Rob Horne was also sent home earlier in the week with a hamstring tear, while former captain Stirling Mortlock was ruled out of the first two matches of their tour at least with a calf injury.

- NZPA