The Wallabies have made some tactical substitutions to their backline to bolster their Rugby World Cup campaign.

On Saturday the Wallabies take on Ireland who are currently second in the Pool-C table.

James Finlayson reports.

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Injured winger Digby Ioane is expected to be replaced by whiz kid James O’Connor in Saturday’s clash against Ireland.

The Irish Captain isn’t underestimating Australia’s depth and back line ability.

Brian O’Driscoll, Irish Captian: “They’re often innovators when it comes to backline play and they’re forward thinkers from that regard. so um you do see a lot of other countries try to copy and mirror some of the things they do.”

And Canada were victorious against the island nation of Tonga in a tournament upset beating them 25 points to 20.

A-League champions Brisbane Roar are preparing for their friendly against the Central Coast Mariners in Toowoomba this weekend.

The Roar are expected to field Albanian star recruit Besart Berisha after arriving in Australia last weekend.

Berisha says the prospect of playing for a quality football side is something he looks forward to.

Besart Berisha, Brisbane Roar Striker: “I think the way we play in Brisbane is fantastic. it’s very hard and it’s really good for a team who want to have success.”

The Brisbane coach has worked through a disruptive pre-season and says his squad are prepared for Saturday’s clash.

Ange Postecoglou, Roar Coach: “Fingers corssed we don’t have any injuries between now and the start of the year, but I think that the team we roll out round one will be a quality side. Quite excited about it actually.”

Senior players such as Enrique and Canadian recruit Issey Nakajima-Farran are expected to use their experience to encourage the young Roar squad.

Postecoglou insists that the hole left by players such as Matt McKay has been filled. And is confident that the current squad is capable of another successful year.

Centre Back Matt Smith has been named skipper for the game against the Mariners.

And in Tennis, Lleyton Hewitt will meet Roger Federer in the mens’ singles rubber at the Davis cup ties tomorrow.

Pat Rafter, Former Davis Cup Captain: “Also we get to watch one of the great rivalries between Lleyton and Roger come Friday, so we’re really looking forward to that.”

Despite Federer’s 17-8 head-to-head record over Hewitt, the last time the two met on Grass in 2010 Lleyton was the victor.

The match will be played at Sydney’s intimate Royal Golf Club.

James Finlayson, QUT News.