Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has backed James O'Connor to handle his first Test assignment at outside centre after the 29-year-old was a shock pick at no.13 to take on the All Blacks in Perth.
The surprise selection of O'Connor was one of four changes to the Wallabies’ starting team for the opening Bledisloe Cup clash on Saturday, which also includes the return of Allan Alaalatoa from injury, Nic White starting at halfback and Tolu Latu starting at hooker.
But despite speculation he may also come back at Optus Stadium, there is no David Pocock in the Wallabies’ team; with the veteran flanker still being kept on ice until a potential comeback next week in Auckland.
O’Connor replaces Tevita Kuridrani in the Wallabies’ starting side in his first run-on Test since 2013 against Argentina.
The 29-year-old has never played no.13 in international rugby but O’Connor played 12 minutes off the bench in the outside role against Argentina in Brisbane.
"It's a different set-up in the midfield," Cheika said.
"Samu and Tevita have played together there over the first couple of games and they’ll present a certain picture those two lads, and I think James will bring something a little bit different that we haven’t seen, so definitely our opponents won’t have seen it either.
"He seems to have handled it pretty well in training. I am looking forward to seeing him out there."
Though there are few teams more adept at targeting players in defence, Cheika said he was satisfied he wasn't throwing O'Connor in the deep end at outside centre.
"There will be certain set piece requirements that he’ll need to fill there and then after that it’s just be there and play footy, and that’s what he’s good at, he’s good at playing footy," Cheika said.
"He is very solid in his defensive work over the training time and the footage I have seen him from over in the UK, he’s very solid in that area.
"I have seen him defending there in that competition, obviously this is Test footy but I have a lot of faith in James. Like I have said before, I haven’t known him a lot but since he has come back here and I have been dealing with him on a more regular basis, I have had a lot of faith in him."
Cheika said Pocock was never slated to play this week, despite New Zealand having suspicions that he may make his return from a six-month calf injury.
"There was never (a chance), we’re more focusing on the next one," Cheika said.
"He has trained all week with the team, slightly modified but this is the most he has done with the team so he is getting very close. He will train fully with the team today.
"I am hoping he will be available next week. What we have tried to do with David is not set a day, this is when we want him.
"Because that’s what happened during the season, we kept trying to get him back on this day or those games, and we kept pushing, and we fell short every time. So we are just going to get to the next milestone and he has one today, an important one, and if we get through that we will see how he lands."
Elsewhere, Christian Lealiifano has been retained ahead of Bernard Foley at flyhalf in an otherwise settled backline.
Adam Coleman makes his return on the bench after a long period sidelined with shoulder and calf injuries and Alaalatoa’s return from injury sees Sekope Kepu drop out of the team altogether.
Tom Banks gets another shot via selection on the bench.
Latu's selection in the no.2 comes three months after he was sent home from a Wallabies camp in May after being charged for drink-driving.
The NSW hooker was convicted of the offence in June and was fined and suspended for four games by Rugby Australia.
The Wallabies take on New Zealand at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Saturday August 10, kicking off at 5;45pm local, 7;45pm AEST, with the Wallaroos-Black Ferns kicking off at 3pm local, 5pm AEST. The Wallabies are LIVE on Network Ten, FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and RUGBY.com.au RADIO while the Wallaroos will be shown on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
IN: Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Banks, Adam Coleman
OUT: Sekope Kepu, Tevita Kuridrani, Rob Simmons
Wallabies team to play New Zealand
1. Scott Sio (56 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (13 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (32 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (19 Tests)
5. Rory Arnold (21 Tests)
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (13 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (93 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani (2 Tests)
9. Nic White (24 Tests)
10. Christian Lealiifano (20 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (21 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (27 Tests)
13. James O’Connor (45 Tests)
14. Reece Hodge (35 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (85 Tests)
Reserves
16. Folau Fainga’a (9 Tests)
17. James Slipper (88 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (13 Tests)
19. Adam Coleman (31 Tests)
20. Luke Jones (4 Tests)
21. Will Genia (102 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (44 Tests)
23. Tom Banks (4 Tests)
