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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named French-based Matt Giteau in Australia’s starting line-up for the match against the Springboks in Brisbane this Saturday.
Giteau has been selected at inside centre, alongside halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper. It marks the first time Giteau will start a Test match since 2011.
Michael Hooper has been given the nod to start at openside flanker, with David Pocock on the bench. Incumbency must have played a role in Hooper’s selection, given Pocock’s strong form in the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Here’s the team Michael Cheika has selected to take on the might of South Africa in the opening Test match of the season.
Full Wallabies team to play Springboks at Suncorp Stadium
1. James Slipper
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Rob Simmons
5. Will Skelton
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. Scott Higginbotham
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Rob Horne
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Scott Sio
18. Greg Holmes
19. James Horwill
20. David Pocock
21. Nick Phipps
22. Matt Toomua
23. Drew Mitchell
Michael Cheika had the following to say at the announcement.
“I could not have been happier with the first two weeks of preparation here in Queensland. These players know they represent a squad of over 50 players who will have some involvement within the Wallabies program at different stages of the year.”
“With new combinations comes a new level of energy to our team environment and Will [Genia], Quade [Cooper] and Matt [Giteau] certainly bring that,” Cheika said.
“Matt is a true professional and his impact on the team dynamic has been immediate. His form in Toulon and work ethic since joining the squad has been first class.”
“It has been a huge effort by Stephen to put himself in this position to once again captain his country.”
“David [Pocock] has showed tremendous grit and termination to return to the Wallabies in challenging circumstances. To be out of the Wallabies environment for two years and return a better a player shows his character; it is something he, and this country should be proud of.”
“If you look through our bench we have some exceptional leaders, with James and David having captained their country at different stages of their careers.
“With leadership comes responsibility as well. The bench will play a pivotal role in ensuring we close out the game as well as we open it.”
“We want the Australian Rugby fans to be proud of how we play, and the stage is set for players to put it all on display in front of a very patriotic and proud Queensland crowd at Suncorp Stadium.”
Notable inclusions include the wingers Rob Horne and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who get the nod over Joe Tomane. Tomane was in strong form for the Brumbies towards the end of the Super Rugby season, but it wasn’t enough to earn him national selection.
Similarly, Toulon’s Drew Mitchell hasn’t earned selection in the starting XV, and will play from the bench.
Reds captain James Slipper will partner Sekope Kepu in the front row, with the captain Stephen Moore at hooker.
Big Will Skelton will start in the second row for the Wallabies, partnering lineout key man Rob Simmons. Other lineout options include number 6 Scott Fardy, and number 8 Scott Higginbotham, both of whom are key to their provincial side’s set piece.
The interesting choice is Matt Giteau at inside centre, after four years away from the Wallabies setup.
He has shown in the past that he can combine well with Quade Cooper and Will Genia in the halves, though, and should provide plenty of excitement for Wallabies fans.
Genia and Cooper seem to have been picked on combination and potential rather than form, though they started to show some form towards the end of the Super Rugby season.
Tevita Kuridrani and Israel Folau predictably retain their spots at outside centre and fullback.
Scott Sio and Greg Holmes are the reserve props, with James Horwill and David Pocock the only second row and back row reserves. This will place a lot of emphasis on Fardy and Higginbotham getting through the whole game.
Mitchell will feature off the bench with Bernard Foley overlooked in favour of Matt Toomua. Nick Phipps is the backup halfback.
What do you think Roarers? Will this team beat the Springboks?
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