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David Pocock to make his much-awaited return against Samoa - and take the captain's armband
By Online Editors
Champion Wallabies flanker David Pocock will captain Australia in his first Test of the year with Michael Cheika naming a mixed team for their World Cup warm-up Test against Samoa.
Pocock, who hasn't played since March due to an ongoing calf injury, will lead the Wallabies out on to Bankwest Stadium on Saturday in their last Test before flying to Japan ahead of the World Cup tournament.
The 31-year-old flanker is one of several experienced campaigners included in the starting 15, including Test centurions Adam Ashley-Cooper, Will Genia and Sekope Kepu.
The latter two have already confirmed they will retire from international rugby after the World Cup, while veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau announced on Wednesday he will join them.
Polota-Nau missed World Cup selection but was one of six players from outside the squad named for the Sydney Test and will start from the bench.
Young Brumbies backrower Rob Valetini is set to make his Test debut after been included in the reserves.
The others from outside the squad are starting fullback Tom Banks, and Luke Jones, Liam Wright and Nick Phipps, who have been named on the bench.
Those players have been training with the Wallabies at their pre-World Cup camp in New Caledonia.
Cheika said his selection was about giving some players additional game time while balancing the training work-load of others.
Regular skipper, flanker Michael Hooper is among those rested.
The Test is just the sixth clash between the two countries and the first since Samoa's shock nine-point win at ANZ Stadium in 2011.
Three of Australia's starting 15 have Samoan heritage, including starting hooker Jordan Uelese, who is a chief in his village of Aufaga in the southeast of Upolu Island.
Wallabies: Tom Banks, Dane Haylett-Petty, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jack Dempsey, David Pocock (capt), Lukhan Salakaia -Loto, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Jordan Uelese, James Slipper. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Luke Jones, Liam Wright, Rob Valetini, Nick Phipps, James O'Connor.
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Latest Comments
Well it's a bit disappointing injury hasn't been as much of a selector as I'd hoped for the AB's this weekend.
At least week got ALB in there and they made the call to let Ratima concentrate on building for another go next year already. Upgrades in both positions for me though I'd like it the otherway round, to not be.
Happy for Patrick to earn his start this week, along with EDG.
Mo'unga, please come back home ASAP, we need saving as I'm not sure Razor knows that his captain, Ardie, and Reiko have literally played every test this year, and we can all see he's given you the big desperate PLEASE with these selections.
Go to commentsWhat you say is true, but it's a new coach with a different structure and cohesiveness takes time. To be honest, despite the losses, the AB's looked more dangerous this year and more exciting.
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