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Henry Speight has been named to make his Test debut for the Wallabies against Ireland at Lansdowne Road this weekend.
After Australia’s loss to France, coach Michael Cheika has made four changes to the starting team that played at Stade de France.
Lock James Horwill, who replaced Sam Carter for the France game, has been relegated to the bench once more, with Carter coming straight into the starting team after not being selected in the 23 last weekend.
Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley remain in their scrumhalf and flyhalf positions, despite some criticism of their performances last week.
The changes in the back include Matt Toomua taking back over from Christian Lealiifano at inside centre, and Henry Speight moving into the wing position. Joe Tomane misses out, and isn’t included on an extended bench either.
Tetera Faulkner, Kurtley Beale and Jake Schatz are the new faces on the bench, from which three will be omitted before the encounter with Ireland. Young flanker Sean McMahon has dropped out of the squad, after playing at number 6 for the last two weekends.
Jones earns his call-up to the blindside flanker spot after a strong performance in the NRC for Melbourne Rising.
Cheika was full of praise for winger Speight, who made his debut in gold against the Barbarians earlier on the tour.
“Henry has done all the right things to earn his selection, has had an outstanding Super Rugby season and deserves his opportunity to play for Australia,” Cheika said.
“He is very passionate about representing Australia and we’re all looking forward to seeing him bring his best attributes to our game.
“The other changes have been made to give the other players who have been knocking on the door an opportunity to start a Test match on this tour.
“All our changes will bring a new energy into the team and I know everyone is looking forward to the opportunities our match against Ireland will bring.”
What do you think of the changes Roarers? Agree with what Michael Cheika’s doing here?
Wallabies team to play Ireland
1. James Slipper
2. Saia Fainga’a
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Sam Carter
5. Rob Simmons
6. Luke Jones
7. Michael Hooper
8. Ben McCalman
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bernard Foley
11. Henry Speight
12. Matt Toomua
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau
Replacements*
James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale
*Three to be omitted
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.