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Australia and Ireland name teams for Brisbane clash
By Ben Spratt
Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu will debut for Australia against a new-look Ireland side in Saturday's first Test.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has combined youth with experience for the opening match of the series, with Paenga-Amosa's bow capping his rise from the National Rugby Championship to Super Rugby in the last 12 months.
The 22-year-old lines up at hooker, with Reds team-mate and fellow debutant Timu at number eight. Pete Samu is also primed to collect a first cap from the bench.
Captain Michael Hooper and David Pocock join Timu in the back row, where Cheika believes the new man can have a real impact.
"I think Caleb has had a great season, to be honest," he said.
"His carrying game has been outstanding and, if you look at the way our back row is set up, the other two boys aren't the hugest of carriers."
Changes in the back line also see the returns of Samu Kerevi and Dane Haylett-Petty.
Ireland also have a new look, coach Joe Schmidt having recognised this tour as an opportunity for the Six Nations champions to "trial things".
There are six changes from the XV that wrapped up the Grand Slam against England in March, with Peter O'Mahony stepping up as captain in the absence of the injured Rory Best.
Veterans such as Rob Kearney, Keith Earls and Conor Murray remain in the back line, but Johnny Sexton drops to the bench, as Robbie Henshaw and Joey Carbery come in.
Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong are also among the replacements, with a much-changed front line including Jack McGrath, Rob Herring, John Ryan and Jordi Murphy.
Ireland are unbeaten since losing to Wales in March 2017.
Australia team: Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Kurtley Beale, Dane Haylett-Petty, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Sekope Kepu, Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Caleb Timu.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Lukhan Tui, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Reece Hodge.
Ireland team: Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Joey Carbery, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rob Herring, John Ryan, James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Quinn Roux, Jack Conan, Kieran Marmion, Johnny Sexton, Jordan Larmour.
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Latest Comments
They won’t be rested Ed. Gathie was forced to ditch that practice, by WR, LNR, or whoever, IDK.
It’s very simple and you obviously know this, they do what’s best for the athlete. Galthie is just doing his part in making sure they don’t break, you know, like a team effort.
Just as LNRs teams are.
Bottom lines? The players don’t get a lot of rest as their season is so long, yes, but Galthie can select any player he wants in an International window. You just have to ask yourself does Galthie want to select that player or ensure they are rested? You just need to stop being obtuse, and some French white knight guy, what you say is simply untrue.
Why not just word it properly?
Go to commentsI can see where you are coming from.
The ANZAC myth has been used by sports teams for years. Some to a greater degree e.g. the old Rugby League ANZAC test, some other sports will make passing reference in the advertising or commentary etc.
I don’t think the ANZACs (looking down from heaven) see themselves as sacred cows. I think they would rather see a game of rugby in their honour. What better time to hold a Bledisloe cup match?
ANZAC day is about both remembering the ANZAC’s sacrifice, and their descendants celebrating the freedom we have because of that sacrifice. If a Bledisloe ANZAC test was done in a tasteful way. I see no issue with it.
I don’t think rugby league deserved to host an ANZAC test as rugby league organisations encouraged their players not to go to WWI (Australia didn’t conscript for WWI).
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