Wallabies abroad: Test centres to face off in England

Former Wallabies centre Rob Horne will make his English debut in the second round of the Premiership, and he’ll be up against a familiar face when he runs out for Northampton.

Horne will start at outside centre in the match, with former Test teammate Matt Toomua in the no. 12 for Leicester in the fixture, and former Aussie Sevens star Nick Malouf on the Tigers’ wing.

Nic White has been elevated into the starting spot for Exeter in their second Premiership clash, against London Irish, with Dave Dennis at blindside flanker and Lachie Turner on the pine.

James Horwill will lead Harlequin out, starting in the second row for the London side against Gloucester.

Ben Tapuai will come off the bench for Bath, while Saracens, and former Wallabies, lock Will Skelton is still working his way back to full fitness.

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George Smith will be back in a familiar spot when Suntory take on the NTT Communication Shining Arcs this weekend. 

Smith filled the no. 8 for the reigning champions in the opening fortnight, but will be in the openside flanker spot on Saturday, with long-time Test teammate Matt Giteau at inside centre.

Anthony Faingaa will start at 12 for the Kintetsu Liners against Canon.

There’ll be no Berrick Barnes in the Panasonic lineup in their match against the Coca-Cola Red Sparks, but David Pocock will be at seven and Digby Ioane will run on at outside centre, with lock Daniel Heenan coming off the bench.

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Sitaleki Timani will be in the second row for Clermont against La Rochelle.

Leroy Houston is set to start at the back of the scrum for Bordeaux, with Luke Jones in the locks when they take on Stade Francais.

Joe Tomane will be at inside centre for Montpellier against Castres and there’ll be plenty of Aussies lining up when Lyon face off against Pau, those teams yet to be named.