Australian rowing selectors have confirmed James Marburg (VIC) and Brodie Buckland (NSW) as the men’s coxless pair combination for the World Cup 3 in Munich.

Marburg and Buckland were initially selected as part of the five person men’s coxless pair squad following the National Selection Trials in March.

Their eighth place finish at World Cup 2 in Lucerne, Switzerland two weeks ago left them as the leading Australian combination in the boat class.

Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson congratulated both rowers.

“Brodie and James have combined really well during 2012 and are improving with every row they have together,” Matheson said. “They rowed well together at the national championships and have enjoyed a solid training block since being named as part of the squad at the end of March.

“We are really happy with the strength across our entire men’s sweep squad, especially considering the calibre of some of the athletes who did not gain selection.”

Marburg, 29, competed at his first Olympic Games in Beijing where he combined with Francis Hegerty (NSW), Matt Ryan (NSW) and Cameron McKenzie-McHarg (VIC) to win silver behind Great Britain in the men’s coxless four.

He followed this performance with another silver medal at the 2009 world championships as part of the same crew, before winning bronze in the men’s eight at the 2010 world championships.

Buckland, 28, moved to Australia from the United States at the start of the Olympic cycle and received Australian citizenship in February this year.

He has formed part of the men’s sweep squad since 2010, rowing on the World Cup circuit whilst being ineligible to compete for Australia at world championship level.

Marburg and Buckland will travel with the 2012 Australian Rowing Team to Munich, Germany this evening ahead of World Cup 3 this weekend (June 15-17).

World Cup 3 serves as the final regatta ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games, with Rowing Australia set to nominate its athletes to the Australian Olympic Committee next week.

Following World Cup 3, the Australian team will return to the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre in Varese, Italy to complete its preparation before London.