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Toomua, Skelton in for third Wallabies Test against England

Matt Toomua made a welcome return for the Wallabies. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
22nd June, 2016
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Michael Cheika has named his side for the third and final Test against England, with three changes made from the side that lost the series-deciding Test in Melbourne last weekend.

Coming off two dismal performances in which the Wallabies were constantly thwarted by England’s defence, Cheika had little choice but to change up his backline and decided to revert to the two-playmaker system which was so successful during last year’s World Cup.

Matt Toomua, who hasn’t made a starting appearance for the Wallabies since their group stage match against Uruguay in the World Cup, will start at inside-centre in Sydney, replacing Samu Kerevi.

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After two solid but unspectacular performances in the opening Tests, Cheika was unable to find a spot for Kerevi on an extended bench and has omitted him from the side altogether.

The remainder of the run-on backline has remained unchanged from the Melbourne Test, and while Christian Lealiifano and Nick Frisby have both retained their reserve spots, Taqele Naiyaravoro has replaced Luke Morahan as the other replacement back.

The other major change to the side has come in the forwards, with Will Skelton set to make his first appearance in the series in the run-on side. He will partner Rob Simmons in the second row, with the Reds lock returning to the starting XV after being dropped for the second Test.

Last week’s starting locks Sam Carter and Rory Arnold have both been dropped from the side altogether, with Dean Mumm and the uncapped Adam Coleman both named to the extended bench. Should he survive the cut when the final eight bench players are announced, Coleman will become the first Tasmanian-born rugby player to be capped for the Wallabies.

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With Ben McCalman ruled out with a broken scapula, Wycliff Palu has also been included in the reserves ahead of Liam Gill.

Despite having handed England the Cook Cup after losing the first two Tests, Cheika said his side won’t be changing their style of play for the dead-rubber.

“This Saturday’s match against England is a real opportunity for the Wallabies to show the character I know they have on the field, for all our fans to see.

“We will continue to play rugby in our attacking style and we’ll be aiming to do it with more consistent quality than we have in the first two matches.”

The third Test will be played at Allianz Stadium in Sydney this coming Saturday and is due to kick off at 8pm (AEST).

Wallabies team for third Test against England
1. James Slipper – Reds (76 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore (c) – Brumbies (104 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu – Waratahs (65 Tests)
4. Will Skelton – Waratahs (14 Tests)
5. Rob Simmons – Reds (61 Tests)
6. Scott Fardy – Brumbies (32 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (vc) – Waratahs (53 Tests)
8. Sean McMahon – Rebels (8 Tests)
9. Nick Phipps – Waratahs (41 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley – Waratahs (29 Tests)
11. Rob Horne (vc) – Waratahs (31 Tests)
12. Matt Toomua – Brumbies (31 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani – Brumbies (33 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty – Western Force (2 Tests)
15. Israel Folau – Waratahs (40 Tests)

Replacements (one to be omitted)
Tatafu Polota-Nau – Waratahs (63 Tests)
Scott Sio – Brumbies (17 Tests)
Greg Holmes – Reds (25 Tests)
Adam Coleman (Uncapped)
Dean Mumm – Waratahs (46 Tests)
Wycliff Palu – Waratahs (57 Tests)
Nick Frisby – Reds (2 Tests)
Christian Leali’ifano – Brumbies (17 Tests)
Taqele Naiyaravoro – Waratahs (1 Test)

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