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Wallabies name side for second Test
By Online Editors
Michael Cheika has named an unchanged side for Australia's second Test against Ireland this weekend.
The side that triumphed 18-9 over the world's No. 2 ranked side will look to seal the series victory at Melbourne's AAMI Park.
While the Australians have opted for a settled look to the 23, the Irish are expecting to be bolstered by the likely inclusion of Leinster quartet Johnny Sexton, Garry Ringrose, Dan Leavy and Tadhg Furlong in their starting lineup.
Wallabies halfback Will Genia made a not of his side's improved resilience shown in last weekend's winning effort.
“Definitely. 100 per cent [our resilience is improving],” Genia told Fox Sports.
“I wasn’t even thinking about anything other than getting back 10 metres for the penalty (after the decision went against us.
“I wasn’t worried about the fact we didn’t get the try or if it was going to be a big moment in the game where we look back and dwell on it.
“It was about turning our attention to defence and that was pretty much the feeling across the group because a lot of the time you feel under pressure or anxious when you can feel it around the group and then you sort of bring it on yourself.
“But I don’t think that the group showed a lot of anxiety or felt under pressure, and I guess it’s a sign that we’re starting to build that resilience in those moments.”
Genia gave credit to the influence of loose forwards David Pocock and Michael Hooper on the side's performance.
“To be honest, I can’t really put my finger on it,” Genia said.
“I guess it’s just the constant messaging from the coaches and the driving of that message from guys like Hoops and Poey.”
The Wallabies can clinch the series victory with a win Saturday night.
WALLABIES
1. Scott Sio, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. David Pocock, 7. Michael Hooper (c),
8. Caleb Timu, 9. Will Genia, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Samu Kerevi, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Israel Folau.
Reserves: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Lukhan Tui, 21. Pete Samu, 22. Nick Phipps, 23. Reece Hodge.
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Latest Comments
Wales were lucky the Boks should put 60 points past them
Go to commentsI'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.
I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.
Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).
RG was great. What an athlete.
Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.
All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.
But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁
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