Wallabies coach Michael Cheika adds beef to backrow for Sydney Test against Ireland

FRESH from getting smashed by a park footballer, giant Lukhan Tui has been brought into the Wallabies’ starting side to do the same to Ireland’s forwards in the series decider on Saturday.

Lukhan Tui is seen during the team photo before the Wallabies captains training run at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Friday, June 8, 2018. The Australian Wallabies are playing Ireland in the first test of a three-game series on June 9 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING

FRESH from getting smashed by a park footballer, giant Lukhan Tui has been brought into the Wallabies’ starting side to do the same to Ireland’s forwards in the series decider on Saturday.

Tui replaces Caleb Timu, who has been dumped from the squad altogether, while as expected Nick Phipps replaces injured Will Genia as the only two changes to the starting line-up that lost to Ireland in Melbourne last Saturday.

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Tui’s introduction at blindside flanker sees David Pocock shift back to No. 8, the position he’s played most often for Australia in the past three years.

As Wallabies coach Michael Cheika seeks more physicality from his pack, who were dominated in the last outing, the 198cm, 121kg Tui will be tasked with overpowering Ireland’s strong forwards at Allianz Stadium.

Waratahs forward Ned Hanigan has been named on the 6-2 split bench, in his first match since injuring his knee one month ago.

Lukhan Tui has been called into the starting XV for the Wallabies third Test against Ireland. Picture: Stuart Walmsley

Ned Hanigan has been named to come off the bench in his first match since injuring his knee one month ago. Picture: AAP Image

Brumbies halfback Joe Powell also comes on to the bench as Phipps’ back-up.

Australia claimed the first Test in Brisbane 18-9, before world No. 2 Ireland bounced back to square the series 1-1 with a 26-21 victory last weekend.

Saturday’s decider in Sydney will be the first time the two nations have clashed in the city since 1994, when the Wallabies prevailed 32-18 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

WALLABIES:

15. Israel Folau 14. Dane Haylett-Petty 13. Samu Kerevi 12. Kurtley Beale 11. Marika Koroibete 10. Bernard Foley 9. Nick Phipps 8. David Pocock 7. Michael Hooper (captain) 6. Lukhan Tui 5. Adam Coleman 4. Izack Rodda 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa 1. Scott Sio.

Reserves: 16. Tolu Latu 17. Tom Robertson 18. Taniela Tupou 19. Rob Simmons 20. Ned Hanigan 21. Pete Samu 22. Joe Powell 23. Reece Hodge.