Reece Hodge makes positional switch for Wallabies

Michael Cheika has confirmed his matchday squad ahead of Friday night’s Bledisloe Cup trial in Sydney, which is free for all to attend.

The Wallabies coach will use an extended squad to fine tune their match preparations ahead of the Bledisloe opener in Sydney on August 18 at ANZ Stadium. They Wallabies trial side will take on an Australian Super Rugby Selection team featuring several former Wallabies.

Rolling substitutions will be permitted for Friday night’s trial with the broader squad to each receive substantial playing minutes.

David Pocock will captain the side in the absence of Michael Hooper as he overcomes a hamstring strain.

Reece Hodge will start in the No. 13 jersey after injuries grounded Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani, while young Queenslander Hamish Stewart will steer the ship from flyhalf. Hodge has spent most of the season at flyhalf, and has spent most of his time in a Wallabies shirt on the wing.

Jed Holloway and Jake Gordon have both been rewarded for their fine Super Rugby form while some members of the NSW Waratahs were not considered for selection after bowing out of the finals last weekend.

Tomorrow night’s clash will be broadcast live and free to all Australians, as well as Wallabies fans around the world, with the game to be streamed on RUGBY.com.au.

WALLABIES

1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 4. Adam Coleman, 5. Rory Arnold, 6. Adam Korczyk, 7. David Pocock (C), 8. Caleb Timu, 9. Will Genia, 10. Hamish Stewart, 11. Jack Maddocks, 12. Billy Meakes, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Marika Koroibete, 15. Tom Banks.

Reserves: 16. Tetera Faulkner, 17. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Izack Rodda, 20. Harry Hockings, 21. Lukhan Tui, 22. Liam Wright, 23. Isi Naisarani, 24. Joe Powell, 27. Jed Holloway, 28. Jordan Petaia, 29. Sefa Naivalu, 30. Jake Gordon.

AUSTRALIAN SELECTION

1. James Slipper, 2. Anaru Rangi, 3. Sam Talakai, 4. Blake Enever, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Angus Cottrell, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Pat Sio, 9. Moses Sorovi, 10. Andrew Deegan, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Duncan Paia’aua, 13. Tom English (C), 14. Pama Fou, 15. Semisi Tupou.

Reserves: 16. Hugh Roach, 17. Fereti Sa’aga, 18. Mees Erasmus, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. Tevin Ferris, 21. Mick Snowden, 22. Sam Lane, 23. Fabian Goodall.

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