David Pocock will make his return to rugby as captain of the Wallabies this weekend, as Michael Cheika revealed his side to play Samoa.
Pocock hasn’t played top-level rugby since a Super Rugby outing for the Brumbies in early March, and the hit-out at Bankwest Stadium will give the star back-rower a chance to get some much-needed gametime before heading to the Rugby World Cup.
The rest of the side is a mix of those expected to feature heavily in Japan, such as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at blindside flanker, Adam Coleman at lock, Marika Koroibete on the wing, and Scott Sio and James O’Connor on the bench, as well as fringe players and those not even in the World Cup squad.
Tom Banks is one of those who missed out on selection for Japan but was picked for Saturday’s game, set to start at fullback, joined by Rob Valetini, Nick Phipps, Liam Wright and Luke Jones on the bench.
For Sekope Kepu and Tatafu Polota-Nau, the match will be the final Test outings on Australian soil for the experienced front-rowers, both of whom are retiring from international rugby this year.
Polota-Nau will come off the bench, with youngster Jordan Uelese to start in the no.2 jersey, but the experienced hooker said he’s pleased to see the depth Australian rugby has in the position.
“It’s awesome to see the depth of hookers in Australian rugby grow from strength to strength, in particular the gentlemen that have been selected, so much that it’s resulted in me missing selection for Japan. However, I’m pleased that I can contribute by helping to prepare the lads before they take off on their biggest mission,” Polota-Nau said.
“I’ve been very fortunate to wear the Gold jersey for as much as I have, and have cherished every single opportunity that I have worn it.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank every person that has been involved with my Rugby journey, both in the game and away from it. It’s definitely been a privilege to take the field knowing I have represented them to the best of my ability, regardless of the result.
“It’s quite fitting that, likely, my last international game will be at Bankwest Stadium, where it all began for me with the Western Sydney Two Blues. I do hope in the near future that the game I’ve been fortunate to help grow and love, can have a big impact within this region for the sport to grow.”
1. James Slipper (90 Tests)
2. Jordan Uelese (3 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (105 Tests)
4. Rob Simmons (97 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (33 Tests)
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (15 Tests)
7. David Pocock (c) (77 Tests)
8. Jack Dempsey (11 Tests)
9. Will Genia (vc) (104 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (69 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (23 Tests)
12. Matt To’omua (46 Tests)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (118 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty (32 Tests)
15. Tom Banks (5 Tests)
Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (89 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (58 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (15 Tests)
19. Luke Jones (5 Tests)
20. Liam Wright (1 Test)
21. Rob Valetini*
22. Nick Phipps (71 Tests)
23. James O’Connor (47 Tests)
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Pocock should be the permanent captain for RWC.
Tony Hodges
Roar Rookie
100%
The 3rd frank
Guest
I agree? #frankloyalty #frank4life
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
TPN is one head knock away from early onset Parkinson's/Alzheimer's. I am honestly worried about the bloke.
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
AAC was an awesome centre. You are a seriously miserable bloke
Bobby
Roar Rookie
So Frank, which players are you dirty about nor getting selected?
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@the other Frank you are not alone :)
OZ Rugby Fan
Guest
TK apparently has a hamstring niggle that kept him out of this game.
Zado
Guest
In 2017 Tahs were thumped by the Force twice. Still no force players made the Wallabies.Form does no matter to Chekko unless you are Tah
frank
Guest
Or maybe he questioned his fashion sense
The other Frank
Guest
It just shows what a joke the whole (all NSW) panel of selectors thing is. Window dressing to screen ongoing NSW bias which weakens our national team & makes Australia the laughing stock of world rugby. I used to love Australian Rugby, now I just want the Wallabies to lose so some change can be effected (but unlikely - they're just not that smart). Roar editors - I challenge you to print this (I know its negative but this is how I feel)
Frank
Guest
AAC? What a joke. Go Warabies
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Hope Pocock gets through his minutes unscathed. Plenty of turnovers, great tackling and ball running. For a bloke who is pumped up by all, no doubt he will be MOM. Go David, I mean, Wallabies !
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
On the Eggchasers podcast (this weekly and sometimes biweekly English podcast) one of the guys is a huge Sale fan. Another one of them is a rugby commentator. Both of them expressed shock when JOC was picked at 13 for the Wallabies, commenting that neither of them had could ever remember him playing 13 for Sale. If he did, they said, it was rarely. As he was primarily a 12 and Sale had another really good 13 (I can't remember his name now) who was the incumbent that JOC played inside of.
Frank
Guest
I don’t see the all blacks making sentimental selections for their match against Tonga. Australia must be very careful here. We should have played our best side to make amends for the last match, IMO.
PeterK
Roar Guru
I am not saying that is what I would have done i.e play AAC, however I do see the logic with TK out injured. They want to protect JoC from a possible injury. I don't believe what people say re Sale, until it is shown in some official records , from the games site that listed positions it states JoC played 13 more than 12 at Sale.
QED
Roar Rookie
No conspiracy. Very transparent as to what is happening. Leaving Joe Powell out, selecting AAC and playing DHP on the wing are just dumb decisions.
QED
Roar Rookie
and there in lies the rub. If AAC wasn’t in the squad in the first place he couldn’t be selected as a replacement for an injured TK.
QED
Roar Rookie
Your comparing his pace to actual wingers not DHP and Hodge.
QED
Roar Rookie
Mental impairment. Just not one of the players.