Let Pocock be finisher and save his neck
Newly appointed Wallabies selector Michael O’Çonnor has raised the prospect of David Pocock being selected as the Wallabies No. 7 over current incumbent captain Michael Hooper.
Michael Cheika has added another player to the Wallabies squad to replace injured Jordan Uelese.
Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has been called up to join the finalised 33-man squad ahead of the series against Ireland.
Uelese was ruled out of the series and the rest of the Super Rugby season after he suffered an ACL injury on the weekend.
Latu has played four matches previously for the Wallabies.
“Right now he’s our most-capped hooker in Australia, so he’s got that little bit of experience playing in the big match atmosphere,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
“Anaru Rangi has had a really good season with Melbourne too so he’s definitely not out of the equation. I’m just keen for the two uncapped hookers (Paenga-Amosa and Fainga’a) to have a little experience around.”
Australia will play Ireland in a three-Test series which begins this week.
The first match will be played on Saturday night kicking off at 8pm AEST in Suncorp Stadium
The second and third matches of the series will be played at AAMI Park in Melbourne and Allianz Stadium in Sydney respectively.
World No.2 Ireland are the favourites to win despite the Wallabies boasting a home ground advantage, priced at odds of $1.73 to claim victory at Suncorp.
Australia are out to $2.12.
Newly appointed Wallabies selector Michael O’Çonnor has raised the prospect of David Pocock being selected as the Wallabies No. 7 over current incumbent captain Michael Hooper.
Michael O’Connor’s phone rang as he was rolling around Noosa Springs golf course on a humid Wednesday in November. Noting the name on the screen, he looked at his mate in the cart beside him, and said: “I better take this.”
Rugby Australia have announced a new program aimed at improving the levels of community engagement with the sport in Australia.
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Melbourne Rebels captain and Wallaby Dane Haylett-Petty has signed a new deal which will see him remain with the Super Rugby club until the end of 2021.
Dual international Michael O’Connor has been announced as a new Wallabies selector, joining coach Michael Cheika and director of rugby Scott Johnson.