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Wallabies reshuffle ahead of second Test
By Online Editors
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made four changes to his side for the second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand.
Cheika has made wholesale changes in the front row, with props Tom Robertson and Sekope Kepu both dropping to the bench in favour of Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa respectively.
In the backs, an ankle injury to fullback Israel Folau has forced a re-shuffle, with Dane Haylett-Petty shifting to fullback and Jack Maddocks - who scored on debut last weekend - moving to the right wing.
Cheika has also given rookies Folau Faingaa and Tom Banks the chance to make their international debuts by naming the pair among the reserves.
23-year-old hooker Faingaa has experienced a whirlwind season after only making his Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies this year.
Faingaa replaces Tolu Latu and will hope to improve the Wallaby lineout after an abysmal outing last weekend.
Banks was a standout for the Brumbies this season, leading the side with nine tries scored from fullback.
WALLABIES
1. Scott Sio, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Lukhan Tui, 7. Michael Hooper (C), 8. David Pocock, 9. Will Genia, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Jack Maddocks, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty.
Reserves: 16. Folau Faingaa, 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. Tom Banks.
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Latest Comments
Liverpool? OK, whatever you say 🤷♂️ You spelt Syringeboks wrong, need to calm down a bit and wipe the tears from your eyes.
Go to commentsThat absolute BS, when did you come up with this idea?
All three were well on track to being All Blacks. They simply decided it was smarter to take the money right now rather than slog on for another 3 or 4 years waiting for their opportunity to line up.
Many AB quality players have not even got the chance to earn a cap for heavens sake, it is simply as you suggest elsewhere, better utilization of global talent to have them qualify for another nation.
The only problem is that the ABs get all the best players, mostly because they pay more, and the island nations, even the home nations, just get those that can't make it or want a bit more limelight.
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