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Michael Cheika has made four changes to his starting side ahead of the second Test against England at AAMI Park.
A reshuffled front row are the unforced changes from the Wallabies’ 28-39 loss to England at Suncorp Stadium, while Sam Carter returns in the lock position and Sean McMahon will start at number 8 to continue Michael Cheika’s preferred strategy in the loose. He replaces David Pocock, who will miss a number of weeks with a fractured eyesocket.
Sekope Kepu and James Slipper will start up front, after the Wallabies scrum lost the penalty count in Game 1, and Carter replace Rob Simmons.
Carter didn’t play a single Test during the Rugby World Cup last year, but will be ready to resume the role.
McMahon’s selection shows that Cheika will persist with the strategy of two opensides, but McMahon’s bustling attack and damaging defence is different to Pocock’s game.
“Based on last weekend’s performance, we decided that we wanted some new combinations for Saturday’s game,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.
“Sean never takes a backwards step while James and Sekope add plenty of Test match experience.”
The backline is unchanged.
An extended bench has been named, with Western Force back Luke Morahan potentially in line for a return to Test rugby.
“Obviously with his (Morahan’s) selection, we’re looking at a five-three split on the bench as opposed to the six forwards we had last weekend,” Cheika said.
Melbourne Rebels prop Toby Smith has been named on the bench, as has Wycliff Palu and Liam Gill.
Wallabies team to play England
1. James Slipper – Reds (75 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore (c) – Brumbies (103 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu -Waratahs (64 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold – Brumbies (1 Test)
5. Sam Carter – Brumbies (12 Tests)
6. Scott Fardy – Brumbies (31 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (vc) – Waratahs (52 Tests)
8. Sean McMahon – Rebels (7 Tests)
9. Nick Phipps – Waratahs (40 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley – Waratahs (28 Tests)
11. Rob Horne (vc) – Waratahs (30 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi – Reds (1 Test)
13. Tevita Kuridrani – Brumbies (32 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty – Western Force (1 Test)
15. Israel Folau – Waratahs (39 Tests)
Replacements (Three to be omitted)
Tatafu Polota-Nau – Waratahs (62 Tests)
Toby Smith – Rebels (3 Tests)
Greg Holmes – Reds (25 Tests)
James Horwill – Harlequins (62 Tests)
Dean Mumm – Waratahs (45 Tests)
Wycliff Palu – Waratahs (57 Tests)
Ben McCalman – Force (47 Tests)
Liam Gill – Reds (15 Tests)
Nick Frisby – Reds (1 Test)
Christian Leali’ifano – Brumbies (17 Tests)
Luke Morahan – Force (1 Test)
What do you make of this team Roarers?
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