Wallabies team for Bledisloe: Quade Cooper and Lealiifano return

You wouldn’t know it, but the Wallabies are set to face the All Blacks in Brisbane this weekend. Amid the issues of the past weeks, there is plenty at stake for all involved. The All Blacks are coming off a rare loss to the Springboks, while the Wallabies resemble more of a rabble.

Leaving the off-field dramas aside, the Wallabies have made a number of changes to the side that went down to the Pumas in Mendoza. Importantly, veteran winger Adam Ashley-Cooper will receive his 100th cap on the night.

The most notable is the absence of Matt Toomua at inside centre. He will be replaced by fellow Brumby Christian Lealiifano, who is not in the squad after starting every Test so far this year despite the player movements in the fly half position.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has also opted for a 5-3 bench split, with Quade Cooper to make his return to Wallaby gold after three games for Brisbane City in the NRC since returning from injury.

Nic White retains his spot on the bench, but it must have been tempting to give Cooper’s Reds teammate Will Genia a guernsey.

Joe Tomane remains the other winger, while Scott Fardy, Sam Carter and Rob Simmons retain their spots as McKenzie’s favoured 4, 5, 6 combination.

Will Skelton misses out on a bench spot, after he was strongly tipped to hold that spot.

McKenzie was full of praise for Ashley-Cooper, who will bring up his ton against his first Test opponent from 2007.

“Adam has had a remarkable career and he deserves the accolades which come with joining what is an extremely elite group of players to have played 100 games for Australia,” McKenzie said.

“It’s a massive honour and a true testament of his ability to play at a consistently high level over such a long period of time.

“Australian Rugby congratulates Adam on what is truly a special achievement.”

McKenzie was confident Cooper and Lealiifano could make positive contributions in their return to the gold jersey too.

“It’s always hard when you have to watch from the sideline, so I’m sure they will be determined to make the most of their opportunities,” he said.

“They’re two experienced players who have performed at a high level for Australia before, and you can’t discount the value of experience in these big games.

“Quade has had a lot of great memories at Suncorp Stadium, and we’ll be looking for him to provide the same impact should he get called on late in the game.”

McKenzie said the team was also determined to continue its strong domestic form this year, which has resulted in five wins and one draw on Australian soil.

“The group has spoken about the importance of this week’s game and ensuring the focus remains on our preparation and putting the team in the best possible position to win the game on Saturday night.

“It’s always important to perform in front of your home fans, and this week offers the team a chance to end the 2014 home Test season unbeaten, and square the series against New Zealand.”

The Wallabies side to play the All Blacks in their final Bledisloe clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 18 October is:
1. James Slipper (vc – Queensland Reds)
2. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
3. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
4. Sam Carter (ACT Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
6. Scott Fardy (ACT Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (c – NSW Waratahs)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Melbourne Rebels)
9. Nick Phipps (NSW Waratahs)
10. Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs)
11. Joe Tomane (ACT Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (ACT Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (ACT Brumbies)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc – NSW Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)

Reserves
16. Josh Mann-Rea (ACT Brumbies)
17. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
18. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
19. James Horwill (NSW Waratahs)
20. Matt Hodgson (Western Force)
21. Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
22. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
23. Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)