Rugby
Giteau, Cooper and Genia start against the Boks─── 09:08 Thu, 16 Jul 2015
Wallabies coach, Michael Cheika has revealed his hand by naming his for squad of the year for Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against the Springboks in Brisbane.
The squad sees Qaude Cooper, Will Genia and Matt Giteau all returning with the trio forming the play-making axis at scrumhalf, flyhalf and inside centre, while Nick Phipps moves to the bench and Bernard Foley misses out altogether.
Matt Toomua will do duty off the bench as Quade Coopers deputy, while Giteau can also fill the slot if the need arises.
Upfront, Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy have been chosen as flanks, while David Pocock gives up his number seven jersey to play off the bench.
This will be the Springboks first true test of the year and yesterday coach Heyneke Meyer he has a problem when it comes to test combinations.
Cheika in his turn said that Cooper, Genia and Giteau all have something to offer the side.
"With new combinations comes a new level of energy to our team environment and Will, Quade and Matt certainly bring that.
"Matt is a true professional and his impact on the team dynamic has been immediate. His form in Toulon and work ethic since joining the squad has been first class.
Saturday’s test at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane kicks off at 12:05.
Wallabies - 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 1 James Slipper.
Replacements - 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 James Horwill, 20 David Pocock, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Drew Mitchell.
Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Schalk Burger, 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements - 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Heinke van der Merwe, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Oupa Mohoje, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Lwazi Mvovo.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
