Nathan Sharpe to captain Wallabies

1.00pm

The Wallabies have named their team for Saturday's Tri-Nations test in Wellington against the All Blacks.

Lock Nathan Sharpe will captain Australia for the first time with Captain George Gregan out through injury.

Australia coach Eddie Jones also named two halfbacks - Chris Whitaker and Matt Henjak - to deal with the absence of Gregan.

"It's a tremendous honour to be named captain, especially looking at some of the fantastic players that have gone before me," said Sharpe.

"It's also very exciting to be leading the team in a Bledisloe Cup Test.

"It's obviously one of the big games of the year and I know the team is looking forward to the occasion and challenge of taking on the All Blacks at home in Wellington."

Jones said on the Australian Rugby Union website: "Nathan Sharpe has been vice captain this season and deserves his opportunity to captain Australia.

"We're fortunate to have a number of leaders within the team.

"Sharpe will be supported by Stephen Larkham, who is enjoying his leadership role this year, Phil Waugh who was a vice captain during the World Cup and we also have two Super 12 captains in Stirling Mortlock and Chris Whitaker."

In another change, Chris Latham comes into the vacant fullback position after the injury to Joe Roff.

The Wallabies are due to arrive in New Zealand on Thursday.

Wallabies:

Chris Latham, Clyde Rathbone, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham (vice-capt), Chris Whitaker, David Lyons, Phil Waugh (vice-capt), Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Justin Harrison, Al Baxter, Brendan Cannon, Bill Young. Reserves: Jeremy Paul, Matt Dunning, Dan Vickerman, George Smith, Matt Henjak, Matt Burke, Wendell Sailor.
23rd man - John Roe.