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Wallabies team to play Argentina: Cheika rings the changes

David Pocock gets a start for the Wallabies against Argentina. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
22nd July, 2015
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The Wallabies have made seven changes to the starting team to play Argentina in the Rugby Championship this weekend after their victory over the Springboks last Saturday.

Michael Cheika has chosen to replace halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia with Waratahs’ duo Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley, marking a return to the 2014 combination.

Joe Tomane also comes in to replace Rob Horne on the wing after a strong season for the Brumbies, while David Pocock gets his opportunity to start in the number 7 jersey ahead of incumbent and former captain Michael Hooper.

Despite an impressive performance from the bench, lock James Horwill has been left out of the 23 for the game in Mendoza, with Will Skelton retaining his spot in the starting XV. This is despite what has been generally acknowledged as a poor game for Skelton against the Boks.

WALLABIES PLAYER RATINGS FROM THE SPRINGBOKS TEST

Rob Simmons, Stephen Moore, Scott Fardy and James Slipper all retain their spots in the starting team, with Greg Holmes and Ben McCalman the new faces in the pack aside from Pocock.

Scott Higginbotham drops out of the 23 altogether.

After a very strong performance from the bench last weekend, Matt Toomua earns a starting berth at inside centre, to partner Brumbies teammate Tevita Kuridrani in the centres.

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Dean Mumm will get an opportunity from the bench, as will Nic White and Kurtley Beale. Quade Cooper will also feature from the bench.

Wallabies team to play Argentina this weekend
1. James Slipper
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Greg Holmes
4. Will Skelton
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Fardy
7. David Pocock
8. Ben McCalman
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bernard Foley
11. Joe Tomane
12. Matt Toomua
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc)
15. Israel Folau

Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Scott Sio
18. Sekope Kepu
19. Dean Mumm
20. Michael Hooper (vc)
21. Nic White
22. Quade Cooper
23. Kurtley Beale

Michael Cheika said the side named showed the depth he has at his disposal at the moment.

‘We are fortunate with the level of depth in the squad to be able to cover for the injuries we sustained last Saturday night against the Springboks,” said Cheika.

“They all deserve their start against Los Pumas and they now have an opportunity to build on the performance last week and stake their claims.

“We have two fine playmakers in Quade and Bernard. Both players can make an enormous impact on our team.”

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He went on to say the bench would again prove crucial for the Wallabies.

“We know Argentina will provide a physical challenge in this match, and our reserves will have a significant role to play.

“Last week they (the bench) got us home against the Springboks, and I will be looking forward to an even a greater impact from our players entering game this weekend.”

What do you think Roarers? Is this the team you would like to see out on the paddock against the Pumas?

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