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Michael Cheika mixes things up with experimental Wallabies side to play Japan

2nd November, 2017
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Wallabies players look on as the All Blacks perform the Haka during the Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, October 21, 2017. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
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2nd November, 2017
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The Wallabies have announced the squad they’ve picked to play in Saturday’s Test against the Brave Blossoms on Saturday, November 4.

With Bernard Foley, Karmichael Hunt and Will Genia all unavailable due to injury, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has had to make some changes to the line-up for the warm-up to the Spring Tests.

Kurtley Beale has been shifted to fullback, while Matt Philip will make his international debut.

The calf injury Genia suffered in the win against the All Blacks has kept the scrumhalf off the training track, preventing him from taking his place in the side.

Nick Phipps – who skippered the side against the Barbarians last week – assumes Genia’s starting job in the halves and also receives the co-vice-captaincy in the absence of both Genia and Foley.

Karmichael Hunt sustained a neck injury in training on Tuesday, leaving the fullback position open. Some expected youngster Joe Powell to be given a go at No. 15, but Cheika has surprisingly elected to put Kurtley Beale in the position.

Even more surprisingly, Melbourne Rebels’ fly-half Reece Hodge has been given the No. 10 jersey for this Test, rather than assuming his normal position on the wings or in the centre.

Henry Speight has slotted into Hodge’s spot on the wing, while Samu Kerevi will start on the field as inside centre.

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The squad’s inclusions include the twice-capped Powell and Curtis Rona, alongside debutant Matt Philip and Ben McCalman, who bring up his 50th Test more than a full calendar year after his last appearance in the green and gold.

Lukhan Tui (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (hamstring) join Genia, Foley and Hunt on the sideline, while Israel Folau is currently on a sabbatical.

Japan vs Australia
Saturday, November 4, 4:40pm (AEDT)
Nissan Stadium, Yokohoma

Wallabies team
1. Scott Sio
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Rob Simmons
5. Adam Coleman
6. Ned Hanigan
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Sean McMahon
9. Nick Phipps (vc)
10. Reece Hodge
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Samu Kerevi
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Kurtley Beale (vc)

Reserves
16. Stephen Moore
17. Tom Robertson
18. Allan Alaalatoa
19. Matt Philip
20. Ben McCalman
21. Lopeti Timani
22. Joe Powell
23. Curtis Rona

MORE TO COME

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