Experienced Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe has agreed to postpone his retirement plans until the conclusion of the Rugby Championship after skipper James Horwill was ruled out for the rest of the year.

Kurtley Beale has returned to the Wallabies’ line-up in one of two changes coach Robbie Deans has made to his side for the third test against Wales in Sydney this Saturday afternoon.

Hooker Dylan Hartley will captain England in the third test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth this Saturday after incumbent skipper Chris Robshaw was ruled out with a thumb injury.

Loose forward Liam Messam could be thrust straight into action after joining the All Blacks squad ahead of the third test against Ireland in Hamilton this Saturday night.

The All Blacks will play four matches on their end-of-season tour.

Beale expected to make return

The New Zealand Under 20 side has gained revenge against Wales, beating it 30-6 to book a place in the final of the Junior World Championship.

All Blacks lock Ali Williams is to undergo knee surgery and will be out of rugby for at least eight weeks.

What a difference a week makes.

Sam Cane looks set to make his debut off the bench when the All Blacks take on Ireland in Christchurch this Saturday night.

The New Zealand Under 20 side has qualified for the semifinals of the Junior World Championship, but only just.

Ma’a Nonu will start at second five for the second test against Ireland in Christchurch this Saturday night.

Mike Harris’ form for the Reds over the last couple of seasons would suggest his involvement with the Wallabies won’t be brief. BY DAVE CAMPBELL

The Wallabies have named an unchanged side for the second test against Wales in Melbourne this Saturday night.

Victor Vito will miss the rest of the All Blacks’ series against Ireland because of a knee injury.

Springboks fullback Zane Kirchner will miss the second test against England with a knee injury.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is hopeful that Kurtley Beale will be available for the second test against Wales in Melbourne this Saturday night.

All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read has been declared fit for the second test against Ireland this Saturday night in Christchurch.