SYDNEY – In one of the worst kept secrets of the week, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named both David Pocock and Michael Hooper in their back row to take on the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday.
In one of the only real surprises for game 1 of the Bledisloe Cup, Pocock will replace Ben McCalman at no.8 with Hooper slotting in at no.7 and McCalman drops to the bench.
There has been a lot of talk from the Wallaby camp and Australian media about the insertion of dual pilferers for the Rugby Championship decider but instead of selecting them at the ‘traditional’ 6,7 roles, Cheika’s sprung a bit of a surprise naming them to play 7 and 8 respectively.
It will be interesting to see how Pocock slots in at 8 considering the physicality needed for the role, especially against a New Zealand side starting to build some momentum for the Rugby World Cup.
In the other changes to the squad that demolished Argentina 34-9, Dean Mumm will make his first start since returning to the Super Rugby from the Exeter Chiefs earlier this year. Matt Giteau also returns to the fold after missing the test against Argentina in Mendoza making it the third different 9, 10, 12 combination in as many matches.
Wallaby team to play the All Blacks
15-Israel Folau
14-Adam Ashley-Cooper
13-Tevita Kuridrani
12-Matt Giteau
11-Drew Mitchell
10-Bernard Foley
9-Nick Phipps
8-David Pocock
7-Michael Hooper
6-Scott Fardy
5-James Horwill
4-Dean Mumm
3-Sekope Kepu
2-Stephen Moore (captain)
1-Scott Sio
Replacements: 16-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17-James Slipper, 18-Greg Holmes, 19-Will Skelton, 20-Ben McCalman, 21-Nic White, 22-Matt Toomua, 23-Kurtley Beale