- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Scott Fardy is the one to be dropped from the Wallabies’ back row, with Ben McCalman to start at blindside flanker in the Australian team to play the All Blacks in Bledisloe 1 on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium.
McCalman has long lingered on the bench for the Wallabies, coming on in the number 8 position when more size was required.
But it seems as though Michael Cheika wants McCalman’s size from the start of the game this weekend, preferring him to start over stalwart flanker Fardy.
The rest of the team is similar to what Australian fans got used to during last year’s successful Rugby World Cup campaign, with the only major difference being Force player Dane Haylett-Petty playing on the wing instead of Drew Mitchell.
Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Will Genia come straight into the starting side having travelled over from France, while Tevita Kuridrani retains his spot at outside centre despite strong competition from players like Samu Kerevi, who couldn’t break his way into the 23.
Stephen Moore will captain the side from hooker, and fellow front rowers Scott Sio and Sekope Kepu will look to take advantage of the All Blacks scrum.
Kane Douglas and Rob Simmons are the lock pairing, while Bernard Foley and Israel Folau predictably retain their spots at fly-half and fullback.
There is no room in the squad for Quade Cooper, who has returned from France and has re-signed with the ARU.
On the bench, Allan Ala’alatoa could make his debut if called upon. Fardy has been named in the 20 jersey, alongside Dean Mumm in 19.
Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua and vice-captain for the England series Rob Horne make up the back reserves.
Wallabies team to play the All Blacks in Bledisloe 1
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore – C
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. Rob Simmons
6. Ben McCalman
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. Will Genia
10. Bernard Foley
11. Dane Haylett-Petty
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau
Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper
18. Allan Ala’alatoa*
19. Dean Mumm
20. Scott Fardy
21. Nick Phipps
22. Matt Toomua
23. Rob Horne
For the All Blacks team for Bledisloe 1, go here.
What do you think of this team Roarers? Can this group win back the Bledisloe?
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.