Number 7 to exchange backs

By Tarryn Le Chat

The Wallabies are seeking to dump flank George Smith to make place for Phil Waugh at the number 7 position.

This comes as Wallaby coach, John Connolly wants to mix up the team facing the almighty Kiwi's on Saturday in the next Tri-Nations clash in Auckland, New Zealand.

Smith, who ranks second behind All Black captain and flank, Richie McCaw as an outstanding openside in international rugby, is facing the likelihood that he will have to make way for Waugh.

According to the Cape Times, Connolly refused to confirm that Waugh would start ahead of his long-time rival, but he admitted that they needed a change in their team.

"Their a different team and, against the All blacks, you play a different way. You have different tactics for different games", said Connolly.

Having already lost the Bledisloe Cup for a fourth straight year due to defeats in Christchurch and Brisbane, the Wallabies must snap the All Blacks' unbeaten streak of 20 tests, dating back to 2003, to keep alive their Tri-Nations hopes.

According to the report, an upset victory by Australia will leave the All Blacks needing to win one of their two remaining tests against the Springboks — both in South Africa — to retain the trophy.