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Timani to start, Houston off the bench at Twickenham

6th October, 2016
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Lopeti Timani can break his way through plenty of tackles, but can he force his way into the Wallabies side? (AAP Image/Tony McDonough)
Expert
6th October, 2016
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Michael Cheika showed almost perfect vision in naming Lopeti Timani to start against the Pumas early Sunday morning at Twickenham, while Leroy Houston will end his 11-year wait to become a Wallaby. (Click to Tweet)

The perfect vision would have been Dean Mumm in the stand.

This clash with the Pumas has taken on renewed vigour with tall timbers Rory Arnold and Adam Coleman locking, Timani at No.8 – and Houston eagerly awaiting his first cap from the bench with Kane Douglas beside him.

Arnold and Coleman have only nine caps between them, but the Pumas will know they are up against genuine aggression – Arnold at 208cm and 120kg, and Coleman 204c and 122kg.

That’s a lot of engine room.

Then there’s Timani standing 193cm and weighing 117kg, Houston 191cm and also 117kg, plus Douglas at 202cm and 123kg.

All that adds up to winning lineouts, providing skipper Stephen Moore improves his feeding, and a mighty solid scrum.

If, and it’s a big if, the squad plays to their ability, and stops making wrong options, this team can give the Pumas a clinic at the home of rugby.

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Those options depend on the backline, which isn’t perfect by any means, but it’s pretty good.

The positive mood starts with halfback Will Genia, right back to his best, providing he gives the box kick a miss, it’s not his strong point.

That strength is his brilliant service, and skirting around in support. It would be a big plus if he ran more to mix it up – Genia sniping is one of rugby’s best sights.

But no kicking.

Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley must become more involved, linking with Israel Folau so he can make the break and send Reece Hodge and Dane Haylett-Petty on their way to five-pointers.

This backline can play exciting positive rugby when they put their mind to it, but all too often they get bogged down with mediocrity.

Cut loose must be the catch-cry at Twickenham, set it alight.

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And the quicker Leroy Houston is on, the better.

The Wallaby squad
1 – Scott Sio (23 caps)
2 – Stephen Moore captain (110)
3 – Sekope Kepu (71)
4 – Rory Arnold (4)
5 – Adam Coleman (5)
6 – Dean Mumm (51)
7 – Michael Hooper (59)
8 – Lopeti Timani (1)
9 – Will Genia (71)
10 – Quade Cooper (62)
11 – Reece Hodge (4)
12 – Bernard Foley (35)
13 – Samu Kerevi (6)
14 – Dane Haylett-Petty (8)
15 – Israel Folau (46)

Bench – one to be omitted:
James Hanson (10)
Tom Robertson (2)
Allan Ala’alatoa (3)
Kane Douglas (26)
Scott Fardy (36)
Leroy Houston
Nick Phipps (46)
Tevita Kuridrani (39)
Sefa Naivalu (1)

Referee – Mathieu Raynal (France)

Most capped Wallabies:
139 – George Gregan (1999-2007)
116 – Adam Ashley-Cooper (2005-2016)
116 – Nathan Sharpe (2002-2012)
111 – George Smith (2000-2013)
110 – Stephen Moore (2005-current)
103 – Matt Giteau (2002-2016)
102 – Stephen Larkham (1996-2007)
101 – David Campese (1982-1996)

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