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Wallabies make two changes for series finale
By Online Editors
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has made two changes to his starting side ahead of the Ireland Series decider, to be played in front of a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
David Pocock shifts to Number Eight to make way for Lukhan Tui at blindside flanker while Nick Phipps will start in the number nine jersey after Will Genia suffered a fractured arm in the second Test.
Saturday night’s Test will be Tui’s first start in Wallaby gold, having appeared off the bench in his previous six Internationals.
Phipps brings plenty of Test experience and will lean on his Waratahs backline combination with Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau.
Fellow scrumhalf Joe Powell will aim to add to his three Test caps after being named on a six-two bench along with 2017 Wallabies Rookie of the Year Ned Hanigan, who makes his return from injury.
The Ireland Series is locked at one-all following Ireland’s five-point win over Australia in Melbourne last Saturday.
Australia and Ireland last faced off in Sydney back in 1994, when the Wallabies won 32-18 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
WALLABIES
15. Israel Folau, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 13. Samu Kerevi, 12. Kurtley Beale, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Bernard Foley, 9. Nick Phipps, 8. David Pocock, 7. Michael Hooper (C), 6. Lukhan Tui, 5. Adam Coleman, 4. Izack Rodda, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1. Scott Sio.
Reserves: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Ned Hanigan, 21. Pete Samu, 22. Joe Powell, 23. Reece Hodge.
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Latest Comments
I'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 😁
Go to commentsGo the AB's .. Probs win by about 30 I reckon ... Cheers ..
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