Samo named on the wing

RADIKE SAMO will run on the wing when the Wallabies play Russia in their final pool game of the Rugby World Cup in Nelson on Saturday.

The match against the minnows will also mark the return from injury of flanker David Pocock and utility back James O’Connor.

Deans has made wholesale changes to the side for the match at Trafalgar Park, retaining just six players who featured during the 67-5 victory over the USA.

Injuries in the backline – the side is without fullback Kurtley Beale, wing Digby Ioane and midfielders Anthony Faingaa, Pat McCabe and Rob Horne – see loose forward Samo pushed out onto the wing.

First five Quade Cooper and wing Drew Mitchell are the only backs retained, with halfback Luke Burgess pushing Will Genia to the bench.

The team's other back-up halfback, Nick Phipps, also earns a spot on the bench, as there are no other fit backs in reserve.

James O'Connor returns from a hamstring injury at fullback, while Adam Ashley-Cooper shifts to the midfield alongside Berrick Barnes.

Skipper and lock James Horwill, Pocock and loose forward Scott Higginbotham all return to the starting side.

The match will be Pocock's first since the opening-round win against Italy.

Wallabies: James O'Connor, Radike Samo, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Quade Cooper, Luke Burgess, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill (c), Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, James Slipper.
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Saia Faingaa, Salesi Ma'afu, Rob Simmons, Rocky Elsom, Will Genia, Nick Phipps.