Aussie coach Cheika names team for England Test in Sydney
Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika has made three changes to his starting line-up for the third and final Test against England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Will Skelton and Matt Toomua both return to the Test arena for the first time this season, while Rob Simmons makes his way back into the starting XV after sitting out the second Test in Melbourne.
Toomua makes his return after a six-week lay-off due to a knee injury to start at inside centre, while Skelton is back to full fitness after coming off a long-term shoulder injury.
Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika said: "This Saturday’s match against England is a real opportunity for the Wallabies to show the character I know they have on the field, for all our fans to see.
“We will continue to play Rugby in our attacking style and we’ll be aiming to do it with more consistent quality than we have in the first two matches
"Will Skelton and Matt Toomua are back to full fitness and have worked extremely hard for their opportunity this Saturday."
Cheika has named an extended bench which includes Taqele Naiyaravoro, who could get his first opportunity to play in a Wallabies jersey since making his debut against the United States in Chicago last season, where he scored a try with his first touch of the ball.
Western Force lock Adam Coleman has also been named on the extended bench and could become the first Tasmanian-born Test player in the history of Australian Rugby if he is retained when Cheika finalises his 23 later this week.
Australia team: 1 James Slipper, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Will Skelton, 5 Rob Simmons, 6 Scott Fardy, 7 Michael Hooper (vice-captain), 8 Sean McMahon, 9 Nick Phipps, 10 Bernard Foley, 11 Rob Horne (vice-captain), 12 Matt Toomua, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 15 Israel Folau.
Replacements (one to be omitted): 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Dean Mumm, 21 Wycliff Palu, 22 Nick Frisby, 23 Christian Leali’ifano, 24 Taqele Naiyaravoro. – African News Agency (ANA)