Latham ruled out of Sydney Test

Wallaby fullback Chris Latham has been ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday with a hamstring injury, while Drew Mitchell will take his place in the No.15 jersey and Mark Gerrard will start on the wing.

Out injured: Chris Latham

Mitchell and Gerrard will start for the first time in Test rugby, having both made their debut off the bench this season, while Matt Giteau moves into the fly-half position vacated by Stephen Larkham's season ending shoulder injury.

Hooker Jeremy Paul has been declared fit to take his place in the starting lineup, while further personnel changes to the team include Al Baxter returning as the starting tighthead prop, with Matt Dunning moving back to the reserves.

David Lyons, who missed the last Test with a virus, will start at No.8, with John Roe at No.6 and Phil Waugh in the reserves.

Morgan Turinui will move to inside centre, pairing up with Stirling Mortlock at outside centre.

In the reserves, experienced Wallabies Brendan Cannon and Elton Flatley have both been named in the 22 for the first time this year, with Stephen Moore making way for Cannon, while Clyde Rathbone returns to the team from injury.

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones says while it's disappointing for Latham, both Mitchell and Gerrard deserve the opportunity to start against the All Blacks.

"Chris got through about 80 percent of the session today [Wednesday], but his hamstring just isn't right, so we won't risk him," said Jones.

"It's disappointing for Chris, but Drew Mitchell is a player who has really developed well since the start of the Test season and brings with him plenty of enthusiasm.

"He was outstanding against the Junior All Blacks for Australia A in Canberra and Sydney, and then over the last three Tests has gained some good experiences as a replacement.

"Mark Gerrard is another player who has made the most of his opportunities this season, and with both Drew and Mark starting a Test for the first time, they'll be pretty excited and enthusiastic."

Jones says the decision between Flatley and Giteau at fly-half was a tough one.

"Matt Giteau started the first two Tests of the season at fly-half and will enjoy another opportunity in that role. While Elton has been training well, Matt has the skills and form to do well, and Flats will provide valuable depth on the bench."

Apart from Latham and Larkham others unavailable for selection due to injury are Mat Rogers and Wendell Sailor. Jones have also released Scott Fava, Nic Henderson and Stephen Moore to play club rugby this weekend.

Australia: 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Morgan Turinui, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 George Gregan (captain), 8 David Lyons, 7 George Smith, 6 John Roe, 5 Nathan Sharpe (vice-captain),  4 Daniel Vickerman, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Jeremy Paul, 1 Bill Young.
Replacements: 16 Brendan Cannon, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Phil Waugh, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Elton Flatley, 22 Clyde Rathbone.

23rd Man: Rocky Elsom

Kick-off: 20.00 (10.00 GMT)