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With Samu Kerevi missing the tour, Izzy at 13?

25th October, 2016
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Israel Folau tries to break a tackle. (Tim Anger)
Expert
25th October, 2016
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Michael Cheika has not wanted to switch fullback Israel Folau to outside centre this campaign, but with Samu Kerevi recovering from ankle surgery and missing the end of year tour, the time is right.

Kerevi is a big loss, he’s been a powerhouse at outside centre during every outing for the Wallabies.

But when a door closes, a window opens.

Folau was a Waratah success at 13, and at least the switch on this tour will give the multi-talented back plenty of time to settle with new Wallabies around him. More importantly, it will achieve the goal of getting Folau closer to the action.

He will relish having Reece Hodge inside him, and a couple of flying Fijians outside. Sefa Naivalu and Marika Koroibete – a new signing from the Melbourne Storm, who has plenty of rugby experience – will link with Folau, with Dane Haylett-Petty chiming in from the back.

That’s a new and exciting combination, especially with Will Genia back in the line-up after being released by Stade Francais for the November window.

The front-line forwards virtually pick themselves, with the exception of Lopeti Timani switching to blindside flanker, where he will shine.

David Pocock should never be on the pine for the rest of his illustrious career, so I have selected a first 23-man squad for the Grand Slam section of the tour against Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and England. I’ve also picked a second 23-man squad to play France, outside the Slam section, which is perfectly scheduled in the middle of the five internationals.

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That means all of the 32-strong Wallaby touring party will get at least one game, especially Kyle Godwin who was on last year’s tour, but never saw any action, and the third-string hooker Tolu Latu.

My top squad for the Slam section.

Wales at Millennium, November 6, at 1:30am (AEST)
Scotland at Murrayfield, November 13, at 1:30am
Ireland at Aviva, November 27, at 1:30am
England at Twickenham, December 4, at 1:30am

1 – Scott Sio (25 caps)
2 – Stephen Moore capt (112)
3 – Sekope Kepu (73)
4 – Rory Arnold (6)
5 – Adam Coleman (7)
6 – Lopeti Timani (3)
7 – Michael Hooper (61)
8 – David Pocock (61)
9 – Will Genia (72)
10 – Bernard Foley (37)
11 – Marika Koroibete (debut)
12 – Reece Hodge (6)
13 – Israel Folau (48)
14 – Sefa Naivalu (2)
15 – Dane Haylett-Petty (10)

16 – James Hanson (12)
17 – James Slipper (82)
18 – Tom Robertson (4)
19 – Rob Simmons (66)
20 – Sean McMahon (12)
21 – Nick Phipps (48)
22 – Quade Cooper (64)
23 – Tevita Kuridrani (40)

My side to meet France at Stade de France on November 20, at 7am.

1 – Allan Ala’alatoa (5)
2 – Tolu Latu (debut)
3 – Tom Robertson 94)
4 – Kane Douglas (28)
5 – Rob Simmons (66)
6 – Scott Fardy capt (37)
7 – Sean McMahon (12)
8 – Dean Mumm (53)
9 – Nick Frisby (3)
10 – Quade Cooper (64)
11 – Marika Koroibete (debut)
12 – Kyle Godwin (debut)
13 – Tevita Kuridrani (40)
14 – Henry Speight (6)
15 – Dane Haylett-Petty (10)

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16 – James Hanson (12)
17 – James Slipper (82)
18 – Scott Sio (25)
19 – Rory Arnold (6)
20 – Rob Simmons (66)
21 – Nick Phipps (48)
22 – Bernard Foley (37)
23 – Reece Hodge (6)

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