Preview: Australia A v New Zealand Maori

Game on: Gerrard has been passed fit to start on Sunday

Phil Mooney has named ten players with full Australia experience for Sunday's Pacific Nations Cup decider between Australia A and New Zealand Maori.

Mark Gerrard has recovered from a shoulder injury and takes his place in the side at full-back, with Digby Ioane and Drew Mitchell taking their places on the wings.

Mooney keeps faith with Brett Sheehan at scrum-half and he will partner Danial Halangahu at half-back. With Stephen Hoiles promoted to the senior side the number eight jersey goes to Richard Brown, with Julian Salvi packing down at seven.

Previously capped Wallaby Sam Norton-Knight has been named on the bench, with John Ulugia, Salesi Ma'afu, Van Humphries, Leroy Houston, Ben Lucas and Matt Carraro alongside him.

Mooney said there is enough talent in his side to defeat New Zealand Maori, but he is not expecting an easy game.

"Everything is on the line this weekend and we have to go out there and finish the job," Mooney told Fox Sports.

"We've played well to this point, but that won't mean much if we can't rise to the occasion on Sunday."

"The NZ Maori are a very good team but we're confident in our own abilities and strengths and we're hoping Sydney fans will come out and give us a true home ground advantage on Sunday."

New Zealand Maori Coach Donny Stevenson has named a strong line-up for this deciding game.

Ben May is suffering from flu and has been bracketed with Bronson Murray. A decision about May's availability will be made on the day of the game.

"Sunday's match is crucial and whoever wins it wins the tournament and we are treating it as a final," Maori coach Donny Stevenson said.

"Last week's match against Japan gave us a lot of confidence in terms of our attacking game and knowing that Australia A pride themselves on their attack as well, we expect a good game."

The Teams:

Australia A: 15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Drew Mitchell, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Timana Tahu, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Richard Brown, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Hugh McMeniman, 5 Peter Kimlin, 4 Al Campbell, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Sean Hardman, 1 Sekope Kepu.

Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Salesi Ma'afu, 18 Van Humphries, 19 Leroy Houston, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Sam Norton-Knight, 22 Matt Carraro.

New Zealand Maori: 15 Dwayne Sweeney, 14 Shannon Paku, 13 Jason Kawau, 12 Tamati Ellison (Co-captain), 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (Co-captain), 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Ross Filipo, 3 Bronson Murray/Ben May, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Jacob Ellison.

Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Bronson Murray/Ben May, 18 Hoani MacDonald, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Tim Bateman, 22 Zar Lawrence.

Date: Sunday 6 July, 2008

Kick-off: 14:05 (05:05 BST)

Venue: Sydney

Referee: James Bolabiu (Fiji)

Assessor: Bob Francis (New Zealand)