Backrower Matt Hodgson has been named captain of the Wallabies side to play the Barbarians in their end of year tour match against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
Hodgson has been named alongside Will Genia, James Horwill, Matt Toomua, Rob Horne and Quade Cooper to make their return to the starting line-up. Henry Speight will also make his debut in Wallaby gold after he became eligible for national selection earlier this year.
In what will be Michael Cheika’s first game in charge of the national side, he has given a large number of players who haven’t had a starting berth an opportunity.
Benn Robinson and Ben Alexander also return to the starting 15, with Scott Higginbotham to play at blindside flanker. Michael Hooper hasn’t been named in the 24-man squad, and one of the players named on the extended bench will drop off.
Cheika said the team was keen to get out on the paddock .
“We’ve worked really hard this week on ensuring our team has a clear understanding of how we want to play, next is to transfer this into the game on Saturday,” Cheika said.
“You sense they’re all looking forward to the opportunity against the Barbarians, and so far I’ve been impressed with the level of consistency they’ve brought to their work.
“This team contains a mix of players from our last game and also experienced players eager to push their way into the Test team. We’re all looking forward to playing our first game for Australia on this tour.”
Cheika also praised Hodgson for his inspirational performance in a resurgent season with the Force, and some strong showings for the Wallabies. He said it was reward for great leadership.
“Matt has demonstrated exceptional leadership attributes at the Western Force for a long time now, and he deserves this opportunity being given to him,” he said.
“To captain your country is a huge honour and I’ve got no doubt he’ll step up and provide the team with the right direction and leadership needed against the Barbarians on Saturday.”
Wallabies team to play the Barbarians:
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
2. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
3. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
4. Sam Carter (ACT Brumbies)
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds)
6. Scott Higginbotham (Melbourne Rebels)
7. Matt Hodgson (c – Western Force)
8. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
11. Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)
12. Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (ACT Brumbies)
14. Henry Speight (ACT Brumbies)
15. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
Reserves*
James Hanson (Queensland Reds)
James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
Will Skelton (NSW Waratahs)
Sean McMahon (Melbourne Rebels)
Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs)
Christian Leali’ifano (ACT Brumbies)
Joe Tomane (ACT Brumbies)
KU
Guest
Spoon puree into lined sieve and let drain for about 30 minutes. Place on a warming tray to keep the aroma circulating throughout the house. Either way, you are started on a unique journey in home beer brewing.
John Rugby
Guest
Ironawe, need to be invited to get in there though.
IronAwe
Guest
Really? It's called across the tasman...
Suzy Poison
Guest
+1 hasbeen flanker. 200% agree. Don't forget Cheika played 8th man himself, if there is one position he knows all about it's loose forwards. Hodgson has been given a massive opportunity here. Make no mistake this is not a random B team selection. This is a real chance to show he is better than Hooper as a Captain and as a player. He is also saying I not giving you 60min and then Hooper gets a chance, I believe in you and I am giving you 80min as you are the captain. Hodgson is going up against Matt Todd, who some say is the replacement for Richie.
Suzy Poison
Guest
Cheers Daz. As much as I like beat the Wallabies as a Saffa, World Rugby needs the Wallabies to sort their shyte out and be strong again. Cheika will do that. I know that. Cheika won't stand for big egos. I don't buy into the resting thing. The two guys that were the most vocal about supporting a team mate that was clearly in the wrong, are not in the 22. I am talking about Hooper and Cooper. Adam Ashely Cooper departure also galvanised the Brumbies under White. Cheika is no fool. Watch out out for a guy that can't wait to start and show what he can do in the gold jersey this weekend. His name is Henry Speight. I was watching the past games of Wallabies versus Baabaas and Digby scored three tries. Henry reminds me of Digby. I am picking him to cause chaos on the weekend.
hasbeen flanker
Guest
Congratulations to Matt Hodgson on his cap and the Captaincy of the Wallabies. He deserves it and it is a great decision by Cheika. dmac - you doth protesteth too much in your defence of Hooper's captaincy skills...you just keep on convincing yourself he's got the goods as a skipper...don't seem to be too many others buying what you're selling though. My real issue with your comments are that you dis the match because it's against the baabaa's (a world 15) to make a defence for your mate. You think Cheika's selections are based around giving the best players a rest? You don't understand what Cheika is trying to do like the rest of us. I'll have a stab based on playing with and against him then observing for a long time (20 odd years) and on how I read his present approach: Cheika has this tour to set the wallaby standard and galvanize his squad for the 2015 campaign. He will demand that standard each and every time the gold jersey is put on. No time for BS and no time for politics. How do you think the players given the opportunity to play this match for the new coach against a world 15 are feeling?....like it doesn't matter and it's a bit of a nothing game? Get a grip champ. Incessant defence of Hooper's captaincy abilities is your right but I'm not buying (and I'm not alone). Hooper needs to be in the squad on his ability, no one arguing that. Let an experienced man lead the team. Hooper has gaps in his game for the position he is playing but is brilliant in other ways. I rate his on field and off field leadership too low to meet the standard Cheika will be looking for. Also welcome the selection of the Genia/Cooper pairing and can't wait to see them back in the gold jersey.
Bakkies
Guest
Yeah he would. Palu misses his regular 10 tests a year.
Bakkies
Guest
It wasn't cold last year either.
Daz
Guest
SP you are wise and perspicacious beyond your years. Hodgson is the kind of guy I would follow into battle and the kind of guy who can unite this scattered rabble. Put your blue face paint on and prepare to moon and put to the sword all opposition.
Rollaway7
Roar Guru
HAHA FOS, yes mate more reds is always good.
John
Guest
Hodgson is the ultimate professional - ive noticed that all throughout his career. Hard-worker, just goes about his business. I do believe Hooper should not be worried per se, but be a tiny bit on edge. I know its only the BaBaas, BUT.. They have Luatua, Todd and Thomson - 3 great forwards and 3 very good flankers. Todd especially. If Hodgson can stand up against someone like Todd, surely it puts him in good stead and he could nab the starting spot in bigger games.
RodMac
Roar Rookie
Horne matched Speight in attack.......................said no one ever
QldFan
Guest
Chan Wee, haven't you noticed that many players from many teams drop back to the FB position during a match? Or are you just a QC hater wanting to perpetuate a myth, then again are you not observant enough during a match to notice that??
LovesRugby
Guest
I dunnoe... different when you are playing behind Slipper and Kepu.... its now the 2 Ben(n)s! Difficult to compare. For all the complaints against Simmons... I think he is a much better 2nd rower in the scrums than the others.
LovesRugby
Guest
Hmm... Will & Quade starting behind a pack with the 2 Ben(n)s... not exactly going to be a fair comparison if they start behind the regular pack that has been performing better and better...
ethan
Guest
Some quality haircuts in the WBs right now. Pity the Honey Badger is not still there.
jameswm
Guest
Hooper's 23. Who else in that starting Aussie team could have taken over as captain? Eales wasn't a great captain when he started, but they backed him because of his character and playing ability. He ended up ok.
jameswm
Guest
What's a "real 7"? Someone who plays tight and sticks their head into rucks? All forwards are supposed to do that now - and backs. I think the 7 role has evolved. If you want a real 7 in your mould - Pocock is your man.
AS
Guest
Phibonacci??
Mike
Guest
Hodgson to captain the Wallabies? Its a NSW plot I tell ya! :D