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Wallabies named: Hunt misses out

Australia international Rob Simmons

Michael Cheika selected Rob Simmons the Wallabies starting XV for their Bledisloe Cup showdown with New Zealand, resisting the urge to include Karmichael Hunt.

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Hunt was the name on everyone’s lips heading into Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium, the Reds star tipped to feature in the 23-man squad after returning to camp following a three-month layoff due to an ankle injury.

However, Hunt missed out altogether as Australia head coach Cheika only made one forced change to his starting line-up, Simmons moving into the second row after Izack Rodda underwent shoulder surgery.

The starting side is otherwise unchanged following Australia’s 37-20 win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship on October 7.

 

 

Lukhan Tui takes Simmons’ spot on the bench, while there is one new face in the squad with back-rower Ned Hanigan named among the replacements as the Wallabies seek their first victory against the All Blacks since August 2015.

Wallabies: Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper, Sean McMahon.

Replacements: Stephen Moore, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Tui, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Samu Kerevi, Henry Speight.

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Another 7 hours ago
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"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"


Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.


It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.


Don’t count out viable options.

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