Wallabies replace Polota Nau with Hanson

AFP
Australia hooker Tatafu Polota Nau, pictured November 16

Australia hooker Tatafu Polota Nau, pictured November 16, has pulled out of the squad for Saturday’s test match against Italy, the Australian Rugby Union announced Friday.

FLORENCE, Italy - Australia hooker Tatafu Polota Nau has pulled out of the squad for Saturday’s test match against Italy, the Australian Rugby Union (AUR) announced Friday.

A statement by the ARU said Polota Nau was “still troubled by soreness from last weekend’s Cook Cup Test match during today’s captain’s run”.

Polota Nau will be replaced on the bench by James Hanson, who is on tour for the first time after making his debut during Australia’s 18-18 draw with New Zealand in Brisbane last month.

The Wallabies, who beat Italy 32-14 on their last visit to Florence in 2010, are looking to make it two wins out of two having beaten England at Twickenham last week, a week after being humbled 33-6 by France.

Italy limited New Zealand to a half-time lead of six points (7-13) in Rome last Saturday before succumbing 42-10 after a flurry of late tries by the All Blacks.