A breakdown of Cheika's first Wallaby team

Rookie Wallaby coach Michael Cheika will get his first taste of international rugby early Sunday morning (AEDT) when the Wallabies take on the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Cheika has sprung a few selection surprises, and has gone for an experienced team with a sprinkle of youth across the 23.

Given the exhibition nature of this match, there was always going to be some selections with a view to the future, but Cheika appears to have selected a more rugged, experienced side in comparison to his predecessor, particularly in the forward pack.

The selection of Benn Robinson and Ben Alexander in the front row is an interesting decision, but not unwarranted. Given the experience the two props have accrued over a number of years for the Wallabies, their selections gives both players an opportunity to show their wares in the starting side.

As opposed to finishing off games in the typical high-pressure fashion the Wallabies have time and again this season, both players have an opportunity to set a platform at scrum when both packs are at parity (at least psychologically). This also provides scope for James Slipper and Sekope Kepu to finish off the match and show what impact they can bring against a tiring opposition pack.

In the second row, the pairing of James Horwill and Sam Carter is a surprise but may work in favour of the Wallabies. While Carter and Rob Simmons have at times been pedestrian with ball in-hand and in defence, having an older, more experienced head in Horwill may provide Carter the lead he needs to step up at Test level.

Having Skelton on the bench does weaken the Wallaby line out, but if there was a match on tour to give him game time, it is this one. Luke Jones may feel hard done by, but only so much experience can be accrued between now and September 2015. It appears Skelton is higher in the pecking order.

Our backrow all of sudden looks a meaner and far more rugged trio with the inclusion of Matt Hodgson at openside, Higginbotham at blindside and Ben McCalman at Number 8. Hodgson as captain will also give the Wallabies a more dogged approach, as he leads by example.

Michael Hooper is undoubtedly the Wallabies captain for the short-term (and possibly long-term pending Stephen Moore’s return), however this may prove a masterstroke by Cheika, as it will allow Hooper to observe a more seasoned captain and player in his position calling the shots.

I hope Hodgson plays well and leads well in an effort to push Hooper further in all facets of his game upon his return to the side. It will also be great to see Sean McMahon come off the bench. Hopefully he will get a taste at 6 rather than 7 to build some needed depth in this area.

The return of Will Genia and Quade Cooper is a boost for Australian rugby and similar to the Hooper/Hodgson scenario, a means to improve competition and skill by adding genuine competition for places. Genia and Cooper are still coming back into form and they must take this opportunity with both hands if they are to displace the pairing of Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley for the remainder of the tour.

Matt Toomua’s could consider his selection at 12 lucky following Christian Lealiifano’s performance in the Wallabies last start. It would have been great to see Lealiifano start, but Toomua was a great foil for Cooper on last year’s spring tour and should provide the steady approach needed to get the best out of him.

Tevita Kurindrani and Israel Folau were always going to be selected, as was Henry Speight once eligible. Rob Horne is a surprise selection on the other wing, but it is smart move to give Adam Ashley-Cooper a rest given his age and significance of this match. Horne’s selection may also be with a view of stiffening up the defensive line with Cooper and Speight (despite youtube highlights) not noted defenders.

Nic White should consider himself lucky to be on the bench, but Nick Phipps’ late match fatigue has been a concern and a rest will also do him well.

So over to you Roarers. What are your thoughts on Cheika’s first team of his Wallaby coaching tenure? Do you agree with Hodgson as captain or should it have gone to someone else?