Under-pressure prop Ben Alexander has been rested as the Wallabies have called for their best scrummager, Sekope Kepu, to combat the abrasive Irish pack on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Kepu will anchor Australia’s much-maligned set-piece at Aviva Stadium after coach Ewen McKenzie swung two personnel changes up front for a no-holds-barred Dublin battle.
Fearless flanker Scott Fardy returns to the back-row after recovering from a head knock in the tour-opening 20-13 loss to England, which sees Rob Simmons move back to lock at the expense of Sitaleki Timani.
Powerhouse hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has also been recalled for his first Test of a injury-riddled year off the bench alongside Waratahs teammate Paddy Ryan.
But the biggest change by far is Alexander being left out; rested on medical advice, according to McKenzie.
The Brumbies tight-head has endured a massive season of both Test and Super Rugby and has enjoyed his share of success as well as pain as the Australian scrum has struggled.
McKenzie admitted Alexander’s contributions around the ground had dropped at the end of a long season and team medics felt he’d benefit from a week off.
“He’s been carrying soreness and things like that and in the end the medical people advised me that that was the best outcome,” he said.
Ireland are set to recall a host of Lions big-guns, rested from the 40-9 win over Samoa, including crafty loose-head prop Cian Healy, setting up an important front-row battle with Kepu.
Rated Australia’s best technical scrummager, the 125kg Kepu has been waiting for another start since botching his chance in the forgettable 38-12 loss to South Africa in Brisbane, where he blew out of gas.
“He maybe got a bit excited and then burned himself out later in the game then we’d probably hoped so we’ve worked hard at his conditioning,” McKenzie said. “But technically he’s very good, very strong at scrum time.
“The game is about balance.
“We want to see that technical expertise show up in the (scrum) but also get a balance in terms of contributions (around the field).
“He’s a very powerful player, so it’s just a matter of getting the energy at the right moments.”
Unlike Alexander, Brumbies teammate Stephen Moore has been backed by McKenzie to finish off the long season strong after playing his “best three” Tests this year in the past month.
Polota-Nau’s return, 189cm prop Ryan’s call-up and second-rower Timani’s demotion gives the Wallabies plenty of power and size on the bench.
McKenzie has kept the same backline which produced seven tries in the 50-20 thumping of Italy in Turin, leaving rookie centres Tevita Kuridrani and Matt Toomua with a big task against Irish pair Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy.
Wallabies
Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Nick Cummins, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Ben Mowen (capt), Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, James Slipper. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Sitaleki Timani, Liam Gill, Nic White, Christian Leali’ifano, Joe Tomane.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
You are correct Setanta Sports has the rights to the AB's v England, also AB's v Ireland. - while I subscribe, huge rip off to charge $20 month for the one sports channel,
mikeylives
Guest
I've noticed that Simmons and S Finger are both much bigger units this year. Not sure if it's natural development or protein shakes, but they both look a lot stronger in contact.
bennalong
Guest
Who exactly have you thought played better than your underwhelming Robinson? Alexander has not been at his best and neither has Slipper. Robbo has more steals than any of them
bennalong
Guest
Robbo has been starting LH for years your memory is deficient
bennalong
Guest
Rubbish on the first comment Jiggles I'll remember that when the Tahs demolish Queensland next season McKenzie's treatment of Robbo has been personal and/or weird You must have noticed that he's avoided starting him with Slipper at TH or your second statement wouldn't make sense
frustrated old forward
Guest
Twobobs.that was worth at least a couple of florins.guess who is an old fart
Hammer
Guest
I pretty sure Setanta Have rights to that match, remember last year. Hopefully there will be a replay of it later. If you really want to watch it suggest you stream it off the internet
TwoBobsWorth
Guest
And how to tackle without knocking himself out.
frustrated old forward
Guest
Hopefully Polota-Nau has learnt to throw straight. Otherwise the lineout losses will negate anything else he brings.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I don't think Simmons is solid for a lock. Maybe he is for a blind side flanker.
DR
Guest
Come on Wallabies!! Get it done!
Ajax
Guest
Not really sure why it has taken till NOvember for Kepu to get a starting run. He is easily our best tighthead (isn't he??) Link said he ran out of gas against the Boks ealier in the year, well then its the coaches job to sub him isnt it?
Jagman
Guest
A more physical bench. Lets hope Link continues with the left and right flankers rather then open and blind.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Simmons isn't actually too lanky. He's tall sure, but he's got a very thick chest. I think he might come into his own next year on the back of his first pass mark test season. Pyle needs to be given time against the French next June though. Fardy might hold on to a 23 spot next year with Jones and Quirk pushing for selection. Higgers and Schatz should be the first in line for 8. Schatz is improving at an exponential rate and he has the same build as Read so I don't think that's an issue. I don't consider Palu as he's never fit!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Don't mind these changes particularly TPN, he is one of the few that brings some much needed physicality to the piggies. Robinson has been underwhelming in his stints off the bench, I thought he would lift his game after being dropped. Anyhoo let's see which Wallaby team turns up.
Skills & Tecniques
Guest
Kepu has great running and ball skills and needs more run on experience. Ryan has a great offload. TPN and Fardy will be hard as. Australia by 12.5. Kepu to have a blinder.
jameswm
Roar Guru
The backline is big. Folau, Kuridrani and Cummins are big units, quick and hard runners. Kuridrani hits hard too, and in fact Toomua is an awesome defender for his size. Add in AAC, our most dependable back, who is also strong in contact. And Tomane on the bench. My biggest issue is at 4-6-8. There's no power there. Three lanky builds (Simmons lanky for a lock). We really miss Higgers and Palu (and of course Pocock more than anyone). I think Kepu is a good scrummager, and maybe with Fardy on his right cheek, he'll go well. Alexander has been making the same scrumming mistakes over and over. I also think that having Ryan and Taf on the bench makes us a lot stronger. I agree with others I'd rather see Douglas there than the Chief (Timani reminds me of the guy from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, who was massive but just sort of stood there).
hammertime
Guest
If we win it will be despite the ref, the IRB and a conspiracy that goes right to the top of the CIA. On another note. I cant find England v ABs on foxsports. Is there an issue with rights or am i looking in the wrong place?
formeropenside
Guest
Marginally better with no BA, and no starting Timani, but still not the best Link could do. Oh well.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
It's the first time I've liked the look of the backline in years. The backrow is my biggest issue followed by finding alternates at second row.