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Waratahs winger Rob Horne and rising Melbourne Rebels flanker Sean McMahon have earned recalls to the starting side for the Wallabies’ European tour finale against England.
Horne will start a Test for the first time in two years at Twickenham on Saturday (early Sunday AEDT) after winning the spot opened up by the ankle injury to centre Tevita Kuridrani.
Veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper will shift infield to replace Kuridrani at outside centre with Horne picked on the wing ahead of the unlucky Joe Tomane.
Inside centre Matt Toomua and winger Henry Speight retain their places after impressing in the 26-23 loss to Ireland and are the only non-NSW Waratahs members of the backline.
McMahon, who made his Test debut against Wales three weeks ago, replaces fellow youngster Luke Jones at blindside flanker after being rested against Ireland, with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika making only two changes to the side that fell in Dublin last week.
Waratahs mentor Cheika admitted Brumbies flyer Tomane was unlucky not be recalled after impressive performances against Wales and France but said 25-year-old Horne deserved his chance.
“I could have brought Joe back because he’s done nothing wrong. He’s done very, very well but I think this was just an opportunity to give Rob a game,” Cheika said.
“He’s played very well all season and I’m sure he’ll do a good job.
“He’s very motivated. He’s been on my hammer all trip so it’s his opportunity now. He can back it up.”
McMahon, 20, earned a Test breakthrough after impressing in the tour-opening win over the Barbarians and Cheika felt he would benefit from a week’s rest.
“I think he did well in the first couple of games and he would have learned a few valuable lessons,” Cheika said.
“He needed to have a breather because there’s so much emotion with a young guy on his first tour and all that.
“Give him a rest and let him come back and tear away for the last game.”
Cheika will again delay the naming of his bench, leaving the likes of Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper and Will Genia to sweat on making the final cut.
Lock Rob Simmons will make his 50th Test appearance, becoming just the sixth Australian forward to reach the milestone this year.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.