Michael Cheika rolls the dice with Wallabies team to face All Blacks

A familiar face fills an unfamiliar backline role, while the scrum gets an overhaul | TEAM LIST

Michael Cheika has gambled on his line-up for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test. Picture: Getty Images

James O’Connor has been brought into the Wallabies starting side in the unfamiliar position of outside centre as Michael Cheika rolls the dice for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks.

O’Connor takes over from Tevita Kuridrani who has been left out of the match day 23 entirely.

In other significant changes, Tolu Latu has been brought in at hooker in place of Folau Fainga’a and clearly has rehabilitated himself in the eyes of the national selectors. And with Allan Alaalatoa replacing Sekope Kepu at tighthead, the Australian front row will have an entirely new feel about it.

James O'Connor, left, will play outside centre against New Zealand. Picture: Stuart Walmsley

As expected, the customary halves pairing of Will Genia and Bernard Foley has given way to the combination of Nic White and Christian Lealiifano, the former Brumbies unit starting for the first time together at Test level.

Nor was David Pocock included in the backrow. Although his non-selection had been flagged repeatedly by the Wallabies, the All Blacks had geared themselves to face the world-class openside flanker.

The Wallabies side:

1 Scott Sio (56 Tests)

2. Tolu Latu (13 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (32 Tests)

4. Izack Rodda (19 Tests)

5. Rory Arnold (21 Tests)

6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (13 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (93 Tests)

8. Isi Naisarani (2 Tests)

9. Nic White (24 Tests)

10. Christian Lealiifano (20 Tests)

11. Marika Koroibete (21 Tests)

12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (27 Tests)

13. James O’Connor (45 Tests)

14. Reece Hodge (35 Tests)

15. Kurtley Beale (85 Tests)

Reserves

16. Folau Fainga’a (9 Tests)

17. James Slipper (88 Tests)

18. Taniela Tupou (13 Tests)

19. Adam Coleman (31 Tests)

20. Luke Jones (4 Tests)

21. Will Genia (102 Tests)

22. Matt To’omua (44 Tests)

23. Tom Banks (4 Tests)

The Wallaroos have named a powerful side for the first leg of the double-header at Optus Stadium against the Black Ferns on Saturday.

Scrumhalf Georgia Cormick has been promoted into the starting XV alongside front rower Liz Patu after strong performances from both women in the Japan Series.

Patu’s opposite in the scrum Eveyln Horomia rejoins the starting XV.

The Wallaroos side:

1. Liz Patu, Wests, Queensland Women’s XV, 21 caps

2. Averyl Mitchell, Souths (Brisbane), Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps

3. Evelyn Horomia, Brothers, NSW Waratahs Women, 5 caps

4. Michaela Leonard, Vikings, Brumbies Women, 2 caps

5. Alisha Hewett, GPS/ADFRU, Queensland Women’s XV, 19 caps

6. Millie Boyle, (vc), Royals (Canberra), Queensland Women’s XV, 10 caps

7. Emily Chancellor, Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 4 caps

8. Grace Hamilton (c), Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 13 caps

9. Georgia Cormick, Power House, Melbourne Rebels Women, 2 caps

10. Trilleen Pomare, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women, 9 caps

11. Lori Cramer, University of Queensland, Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps

12. Ariana Hira Herangi, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women, 2 caps

13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps

14. Samantha Treherne, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 12 caps

15. Mahalia Murphy, Campbelltown/Maitland, NSW Waratahs Women, 9 caps

Reserves

16. Ash Marsters, Harlequins, Melbourne Rebels Women, 8 caps

17. Emily Robinson, Warringah, NSW Waratahs Women, 9 caps

18. Christina Sekona, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 1 cap

19. Rebecca Clough, Cottesloe, RugbyWA Women, 22 caps

20. Shannon Mato, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps

21. Iliseva Batibasaga, Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 13 caps

22. Arabella McKenzie, Randwick, NSW Waratahs Women, 2 caps

23. Mhicca Carter, Cottesloe, Rugby WA Women, 4 caps