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Matt Hodgson to captain Wallabies against the Barbarians

30th October, 2014
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Quade Cooper has scored his first try in the shortened format of the game. (AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK).
30th October, 2014
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Backrower Matt Hodgson has been named captain of the Wallabies side to play the Barbarians in their end of year tour match against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Hodgson has been named alongside Will Genia, James Horwill, Matt Toomua, Rob Horne and Quade Cooper to make their return to the starting line-up. Henry Speight will also make his debut in Wallaby gold after he became eligible for national selection earlier this year.

In what will be Michael Cheika’s first game in charge of the national side, he has given a large number of players who haven’t had a starting berth an opportunity.

Benn Robinson and Ben Alexander also return to the starting 15, with Scott Higginbotham to play at blindside flanker. Michael Hooper hasn’t been named in the 24-man squad, and one of the players named on the extended bench will drop off.

Cheika said the team was keen to get out on the paddock .

“We’ve worked really hard this week on ensuring our team has a clear understanding of how we want to play, next is to transfer this into the game on Saturday,” Cheika said.

“You sense they’re all looking forward to the opportunity against the Barbarians, and so far I’ve been impressed with the level of consistency they’ve brought to their work.

“This team contains a mix of players from our last game and also experienced players eager to push their way into the Test team. We’re all looking forward to playing our first game for Australia on this tour.”

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Cheika also praised Hodgson for his inspirational performance in a resurgent season with the Force, and some strong showings for the Wallabies. He said it was reward for great leadership.

“Matt has demonstrated exceptional leadership attributes at the Western Force for a long time now, and he deserves this opportunity being given to him,” he said.

“To captain your country is a huge honour and I’ve got no doubt he’ll step up and provide the team with the right direction and leadership needed against the Barbarians on Saturday.”

Wallabies team to play the Barbarians:
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
2. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
3. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
4. Sam Carter (ACT Brumbies)
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds)
6. Scott Higginbotham (Melbourne Rebels)
7. Matt Hodgson (c – Western Force)
8. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
11. Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)
12. Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (ACT Brumbies)
14. Henry Speight (ACT Brumbies)
15. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)

Reserves*
James Hanson (Queensland Reds)
James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
Will Skelton (NSW Waratahs)
Sean McMahon (Melbourne Rebels)
Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs)
Christian Leali’ifano (ACT Brumbies)
Joe Tomane (ACT Brumbies)

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