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MONTPELLIER - George Gregan will equal the international rugby test captaincy record when he leads a Wallabies' team containing three changes for Sunday's World Cup match with Fiji at Stade de la Mosson.
The 136-test halfback, playing in his farewell World Cup tournament, takes over as skipper following Stirling Mortlock's shoulder injury in last Saturday's 32-20 victory over Wales in Cardiff.
Gregan, 34, will lead his country for the 59th time in the team announced here on Wednesday, equalling the international test captaincy record held by England's Will Carling.
Wallabies' coach John Connolly paid tribute to Gregan on another milestone in his remarkable 14-season international career.
"George will go down as one of the game's greats," he said on Wednesday.
"He has a wonderful record in the game and this is another outstanding achievement. His experience is invaluable to us and he will be remembered as one of Australia's greatest-ever players."
Gregan, the most capped player in the history of the game, will take up a playing contract with French second division club Toulon after the tournament.
The Wallabies have slightly rejigged their starting lineup against Pool B co-leaders Fiji, who are expected to rest several of their key players for Sunday's game ahead of their make-or-break encounter with Wales in Nantes on September 29.
Adam Ashley-Cooper returns from a big toe injury to replace Mortlock at centre, Phil Waugh makes his first tournament appearance at openside flanker for George Smith and Mark Chisholm comes in for lock Nathan Sharpe.
Youngster Berrick Barnes will again start at first five-eighth after his glittering full international debut against the Welsh in place of Stephen Larkham, who is recovering from minor knee surgery and is expected to be available for the quarterfinals.
The Wallabies can clinch a quarterfinal berth with victory over Fiji, who have won both their opening games against Japan and Canada.
Sunday's match will be second five Matt Giteau's 50th test for Australia since his debut against England in 2002.
Fijian-born winger Lote Tuqiri will play against his former countrymen for the second time in his career and will also celebrate his 28th birthday in his 56th test on Sunday.
Connolly said discipline was a key focus for the Wallabies against the unpredictable Fijians.
"Fiji have been playing good rugby at this World Cup and have proven that if you allow them into the game by making mistakes, they will make you pay," he said.
Australia
Chris Latham, Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Berrick Barnes, George Gregan (captain); Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning.
Reserves: Adam Freier, Greg Holmes, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Hoiles, Sam Cordingley, Scott Staniforth, Julian Huxley.
- AFP
