Cheika backs rookies for series opener

Thu, Jun 9, 2016, 2:50 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Samu Kerevi is set for his Test debut. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley
Samu Kerevi is set for his Test debut. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley

Michael Cheika has opted for a bashing, crashing centre combination for the opening Test against England, leaving Israel Folau at fullback for the series opener.

Queensland Reds centre Samu Kerevi has been handed his Test debut, combining with Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield, in a move away from the dual playmaking structure Cheika has favoured in the past.

Folau will stay in his regular Test spot after speculation that he was set for a move into the centres.

Christian Lealiifano landed in Brisbane late on Wednesday night, but ultimately time was against him in a bid for a starting spot, with the Brumbies playmaker set to come off the bench for his first Test action since 2014.

Lealiifano will play a handy backup to flyhalf Bernard Foley, with the ability to also fill the 12 spot off the pine.

Karmichael Hunt has missed the chance for a debut, after being well and truly in the mix at the selection table, along with boom youngster Reece Hodge, who was tipped to possibly fill a utility role off the bench.

Rory Arnold will make his Test start. Photo: ARU Media/Stu WalmsleyTowering lock Rory Arnold has trained his way into a starting spot, with the 208cm second-rower partnering with Rob Simmons in his Test debut, filling the void left by Kane Douglas, still on the comeback from a knee injury.

Force fullback Dane Haylett-Petty is the third debutant in the starting side, lining up on the wing for his first Wallabies opportunity, rewarded for a standout Super Rugby season.

Cheika has opted to stick with the familiar in the backrow, giving Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper and David Pocock the chance to pick up from where they left off at the World Cup. 

Greg Holmes has pipped Sekope Kepu for the starting tighthead spot, just his second run-on start under Michael Cheika after packing down against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Queensland Reds halfback Nick Frisby completes the roster of first-timers to run out at Suncorp, set to come off the bench for a potential Test debut in front of his home crowd.

Returned lock James Horwill has also been named in the 23, after cutting short his honeymoon to reunite with the Wallabies, paving the way for him to reignite his combination with former Reds teammate Simmons in the second row.

Winger Rob Horne has been elevated to the vice-captaincy for the first time, alongside Hooper, in a nod to his dedication to the Wallabies cause.

Cheika said the blend of youth and experience would re-energise the team.

"We have a good mix of new blood and players who have been connected to the group for some time and the energy and enjoyment within the group has been excellent.

"The work ethic and application of every player in the squad shows just how much the Wallabies jersey means to each of them, and these 23 players know they represent the group when they run out on Saturday.”

Rob Horne is the new Wallabies vice-captain. Photo: ARU Media/Stu WalmsleyAustralia takes on England in the first Test at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 8pm AEST.

1. Scott Sio - Brumbies (16 Tests)

2. Stephen Moore (c) - Brumbies (102 Tests)

3. Greg Holmes - Reds (24 Tests)

4. Rory Arnold* - Brumbies 

5. Rob Simmons - Reds (60 Tests)

6. Scott Fardy - Brumbies (30 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (vc) - Waratahs (51 Tests)

8. David Pocock - Brumbies (55 Tests)

9. Nick Phipps - Waratahs (39 Tests)

10. Bernard Foley - Waratahs (27 Tests)

11. Rob Horne (vc)  - Waratahs (29 Tests)

12. Samu Kerevi* - Reds 

13. Tevita Kuridrani - Brumbies (31 Tests)

14. Dane Haylett-Petty* - Western Force 

15. Israel Folau - Waratahs (38 Tests)

Replacements

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau - Waratahs (61 Tests)

17. James Slipper  - Reds (74 Tests)

18. Sekope Kepu  -Waratahs (63 Tests)

19. James Horwill - Harlequins (61 Tests)

20. Dean Mumm - Waratahs (44 Tests)

21. Sean McMahon -Rebels (6 Tests)

22. Nick Frisby* - Reds 

23. Christian Leali'ifano - Brumbies (16 Tests)

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