SYDNEY : Lock Cadeyrn Neville will make his Wallabies debut at the ripe old age of 33 at Perth Stadium on Saturday after being named in the Australia team for the first of three July tests against England.
Journeyman Neville will be one of two Australians winning their first cap along with hooker Dave Porecki as the Wallabies look to snap an eight-match losing streak against England.
Coach Dave Rennie will be looking to ACT Brumbies combinations to counter England’s threat up front with nine of the 13 forwards in his matchday 23 playing for the Canberra-based side.
Neville will pack down with regular partner Darcy Swain in the second row, while Rob Valetini starts at number eight and Allan Alaalatoa wins his 54th cap at tighthead prop in place of the injured Taniela Tupou.
Rennie has selected all three of the overseas-based players he is allowed under Rugby Australia rules with Samu Kerevi returning to the centres, Marika Koroibete on the left wing and Quade Cooper getting the nod at flyhalf ahead of James O’Connor.
Porecki’s lineout work probably earned him the start ahead of Folau Fainga’a in the middle of the front row but the Brumbies rake was named among the replacements.
Notable absences from the matchday squad include O’Connor and his Queensland Reds team mate Harry Wilson.
Young gun Noah Lolesio will back up Cooper, while Wilson missed out on a spot in the loose forwards with Rob Leota preferred at blindside flanker and Pete Samu named as back row cover on the bench.
Team:
15-Tom Banks, 14-Andrew Kellaway, 13-Len Ikitau, 12-Samu Kerevi, 11-Marika Koroibete, 10-Quade Cooper, 9-Nic White, 8-Rob Valetini, 7-Michael Hooper (captain), 6-Rob Leota, 5-Cadeyrn Neville, 4-Darcy Swain, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 2-Dave Porecki, 1-Angus Bell
Replacements: 16-Folau Fainga’a, 17-Scott Sio, 18-James Slipper, 19-Matt Philip, 20-Pete Samu, 21-Jake Gordon, 22-Noah Lolesio, 23-Jordan Petaia
(Compiled by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
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