After much back and forth, prominent Wallabies star David Pocock has been ruled out of Australia’s final 2018 Test against England, after succumbing to a lingering neck issue.
Speculation had been rampant for much of the week as to whether Pocock would line up or not – and he was even named as part of the side when it was unveiled last night (AEDT time).
But the Wallabies have today unveiled an updated line-up for the final Spring Tour Test which excludes Pocock, brings Pete Samu into the starting XV and sees Marika Koroibete join the 23-man side on the bench.
It caps off a tumultuous week of selection drama for Michael Cheika, with revelations emerging recently that Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper had been stood down after breaking team protocol following Australia’s loss to Wales.
The Wallabies had also been forced to defend themselves from controversial comments by England coach Eddie Jones, who insinuated the injury cloud over Pocock was nothing more than mind games from the Australian side.
The Test, which will be played tomorrow night at 2am (AEDT), is Australia’s last chance to score a much-needed win in what has been a miserable international year.
Australia will wear their indigenous jerseys for the match – the first such time they have done so for an away game – in what is also Will Genia’s 100th Test.
1. Scott Sio, 2. Tolu Latu, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Jack Dempsey, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Pete Samu, 9. Will Genia, 10. Matt To’omua, 11. Jack Maddocks, 12. Bernard Foley, 13. Samu Kerevi, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Israel Folau
Reserves:
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17. Jermaine Ainsley, 18. Allan Alaalatoa, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Ned Hanigan, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Sefa Naivalu, 23. Marika Koroibete
HiKa
Roar Rookie
The greatest thing that Horwill might possibly do to boost rugby in Australia (longer term) is to come home and take on a permanent commentary position. He is so much better at it than the trash served up by the usual suspects.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
I'd have Sefa Naivalu at 13 before Folau, so hooking Foley could be covered by Kerevi to 12, Sefa to 13 (and I'd much prefer to see DHP at 15 with Folau at 14, despite what his missus says).
jeznez
Roar Guru
He could pick Valetini if he wanted to, it's completely up to Cheika
jeznez
Roar Guru
Don't know if its accurate but saw an article saying dropped. Is unfathomable to me.
jeznez
Roar Guru
The only other lock or backrower is Valetini and I think he's too green. Arnold home injured, Timu, Cottrell and Holloway are the options he's ignored. That or bringing Horwill in from Quins.
Internal Fixation
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. Was making a sad attempt at humor. Back agree with a poster above - hotels have perfectly good lobby bars.
john
Roar Rookie
Rules are rules and these two have broken plenty before What Would reaction be if Quade Cooper made same error of judgement
john
Roar Rookie
Hannigan is a very good footballer who has been promoted too early by Cheika and probably suffers from poor coaching in the Wallabies set up.Needs to build strength and will become an excellent backrower in time.There are probably better options at the moment but unlikely to get a go under Cheika Blame the coach and selector not the player who is doing his best under difficult circumstances
john
Roar Rookie
Is there any truth in the rumours that David Pocock has walked out This story is circulating on Facebook
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Cliff I think he was brought in too soon. He is a youngster with a big heart and potential BUT as opposed to backs most forwards hit their best years from 25 to 30+. He is tall and skinny and should be on a development watch list and not a starting Wallaby. What annoys me is leaving Petaia out on this tour and a pity he was injured for Italy. We need speed and skill in the backs and a pack that can win some ball. At the moment we don't have either (disregarding the poor skill set of most players).
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Nich, when you get the answer, please let the Aussie Rugby Fans know? Cheers
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Nick - good question or are Development Players on tour not allowed to play owing to their being a "set tour team number" and the development players are in addition to that number?
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Rhys, have you ever seen any logical decision making from Cheika on selections? and therefore, you should have had no problem in getting the correct word "illogical" into the sentence as it should have been the first word to come into your mind whenever reviewing Cheika's selections. So please do not blame the "miss the edit button"!!!
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Yes, no comments on why Banks & Petaia have not been included as bench players?
Realist271
Guest
One word: booze.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
SMI, possibly an over reaction but why did they have to be taken up to the hotel room. Surely they could meet in the Foyer or the Bar? Stupid thinking if there are rules in place, irrespective of them possibly being pedantic rules.
Realist271
Guest
Yeah and I bet they were drinking. Why else hide in a hotel room with your sister?
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
There are and there will be better number 6's and 8's coming through. The problem is if they will be selected. Same problem with the Wallabies, the Coach and his selections. Hanigan may have improved but it is marginal. He was always good in thel ineouts when he started. But he was never any good in contact and impact and taking hte ball up. Yes being able to place the ball back is a very good aspect of play but every rugby player should be able to do it very effectively. Every AB does it well. A No. 6 should be able to break tackles and ruck hard. Hanigan cannot do that. Hanigan should never have been placed in a Wallaby jersey and he should never ever be near one.
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
+1
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Or maybe Koroibete is going to pack in at 8 ????