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James O'Connor retains Australia place

O'Connor retains Australia place
© PA Photos
Robbie Deans makes just two changes to his Australia starting XV to face the British and Irish Lions, with James O'Connor keeping his place in the side.

Australia head coach Robbie Deans has given under-fire fly-half James O'Connor another chance after naming him in the starting XV for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.

The 22-year-old was heavily criticised after a missing a number of kicks during the Wallabies' 23-21 defeat at the hands of the tourists in the opener in Brisbane on Saturday.

The men in gold make two further changes, with Kurtley Beale and Joe Tomane coming in at the expense of injured duo Berrick Barnes and Digby Ioane.

Adam Ashley-Cooper and Christian Lealiifano have both been passed fit for the match, while Jesse Mogg and Rob Horne earn a spot among the replacements.

Australia XV: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ben Mowen, 5 James Horwill, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.

Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Rob Horne, 23 Jesse Mogg

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Matt Cotton
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Australia's Christian Lealiifano leaves the field after he was injured during the first minute of the match against the British and Irish Lions on June 22, 2013
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