- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named an identical starting 15 to the one that took the field against Fiji in Australia’s Rugby World Cup opener.
Cheika has gone back to the team he considered his number one at the start of the tournament, with no players who played against Uruguay doing enough to force a change in the starting team.
Bernard Foley and Will Genia return in the halves, and will continue to partner Matt Giteau and Tevita Kuridrani in the centres.
ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY THE WALLABIES
David Pocock resumes the role of number 8, with Rob Simmons and Kane Douglas given the nod at lock with Will Skelton injured.
Rob Horne and Adam Ashley-Cooper return to the wings, with Israel Folau to resume his position at fullback.
Cheika said he believes in the 15 he nominated as the squad’s best starting team can do the job against England.
“We’ve been working hard each day this week to improve our game before we play England on Saturday,” said Cheika.
“I believe that this group (the same starting team that ran out against Fiji) has been really clear on where we must improve and the level we must be at to compete with England and we know that it’s going to be a very tough challenge.
“The group is really committed to making all Australians truly proud of how we represent them at this Rugby World Cup and Saturday night will be another opportunity for us to do that.”
Cheika named his eight replacements after Wallabies training, with Kurtley Beale and Matt Toomua given the nod in the backs.
Ben McCalman has forced his way onto the bench, with the only change from the Fiji game being him swapping for Will Skelton who is out of the tournament injured.
Wallabies starting team to play England
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper (vc)
8. David Pocock
9. Will Genia
10. Bernard Foley
11. Rob Horne
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc)
15. Israel Folau
Replacements
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper
18. Greg Holmes
19. Dean Mumm
20. Ben McCalman
21. Nick Phipps
22. Matt Toomua
23. Kurtley Beale
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.