Michael Cheika has named three debutants in his Australia team to take on England in their first test of the summer this Saturday, at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Towering lock Rory Arnold partners the veteran Rob Simmons in the engine room, while in the backs powerful centre Samu Kerevi teams up with Tevita Kuridrani. The final debutant is the Western Force’s Dane Haylett-Petty, who starts on the wing despite spending most of his time at full back in Super Rugby.
Scrum-half Nick Frisby could win his first cap should he come off the bench – a bench that boasts a six-two split between forwards and backs.
Stephen Moore captains a side that contains the dangerous partnership of Michael Hooper and David Pocock in the back-row. Meanwhile James Horwill returns from the international wilderness, and will win his 62nd cap if brought off the bench.
Michael Cheika said: “This team of 2016 has a great opportunity to build on the foundations in place.
“We have a good mix of new blood and players who have been connected to the group for some time and the energy and enjoyment within the group has been excellent.
“The work ethic and application of every player in the squad shows just how much the Wallabies jersey means to each of them, and these 23 players know they represent the group when they run out on Saturday.”
AUSTRALIA TEAM TO PLAY ENGLAND
1. Scott Sio – Brumbies (16 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore (c) – Brumbies (102 Tests)
3. Greg Holmes – Reds (24 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold* – Brumbies
5. Rob Simmons – Reds (60 Tests)
6. Scott Fardy – Brumbies (30 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (vc) – Waratahs (51 Tests)
8. David Pocock – Brumbies (55 Tests)
9. Nick Phipps – Waratahs (39 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley – Waratahs (27 Tests)
11. Rob Horne (vc) – Waratahs (29 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi* – Reds
13. Tevita Kuridrani – Brumbies (31 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty* – Western Force
15. Israel Folau – Waratahs (38 Tests)
Replacements
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau – Waratahs (61 Tests)
17. James Slipper – Reds (74 Tests)
18. Sekope Kepu -Waratahs (63 Tests)
19. James Horwill – Harlequins (61 Tests)
20. Dean Mumm – Waratahs (44 Tests)
21. Sean McMahon -Rebels (6 Tests)
22. Nick Frisby* – Reds
23. Christian Leali’ifano – Brumbies (16 Tests)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Slightyl pleased that they’ve gone for power over guile in the centres. Having two big centres running at them is nothing unusual for the English defence, I’d have been more concerned if they’d picked a crafty ball-player at 12.
England’s main problems defensively seem to be caused when the opposition put quick width on the ball and get around the outside of the narrow rush defence – witness Wales’ comeback in the 6 Nations. With two big lads in the centre, neither of whom I believe are known foir their distribution, there should be less concern. Just need to stop them off-loading in the tackle – especially to Folau – which is easier said than done…
Also I see EJ is playing games with the media – now it loooks like Robshaw will keep his place, Te’o won’t be picked and Nowell will be jettisoned.
I hope the last bit isn’t true. I like Yarde but Nowell has been one of the stand out wingers in Europe for the past year
I also think its harsh on Nowell but do you think he lacks a yard at test level?
Nah. Watch his try-saving tackle on Henshaw. He cam from miles away to make that.
Sure he’s no Tom Varndell but his pace is good enough and he is exceptionally difficult to put down
Fair. I remember him getting beat by George North but then again I am sure that has happened to many wingers… This Aussie centre pairing must be up there in your dream pairing!
Hah! They are certainly big lads. Burrell and Joseph will have their hands full all game.
Don’t know too much about Kerevi but you tube highlights make him look worryingly decent!
Exp tight 5!
Obviously expect England 2 do what England, batter thru the midfield, hence more beef in the OZ centres to stop them.
Nevertheless, thought Leali’ifano would have started. Oz ought to win the breakdown & get their share of possession, esp with 2 EXP 7’s. Therefore, Leali’ifano would have seemed the more inventive 2nd 5 option.
Sky News opined that this is a ’50/50′ match, but dunno what they based that on. Not after the last WC’s scrum between the 2 packs surely?
Also Oz are @ home!