Cheika shifts Folau to 13

You are currently viewing Cheika shifts Folau to 13
Wallabies back Israel Folau
  • Post published:October 25, 2018

Israel Folau will start at outside centre when the Wallabies face the All Blacks in the third Bledisloe Cup match in Yokohama on Saturday.

Folau moves to No 13 while Sefa Naivalu gets a rare start on the wing as coach Michael Cheika looks to replace the injured Reece Hodge. While Folau has featured in the position at Super Rugby level, he is yet to start a Test at outside centre.

Adam Coleman did not train on Tuesday and his absence means a recall for Rob Simmons in the second row. Allan Alaalatoa has been promoted at tighthead and Folau Faingaa has earned the nod at hooker with Tatafu Polota-Nau unavailable.

One of Pete Samu, Rory Arnold, Tom Banks, Jack Dempsey or Samu Kerevi will be omitted from the bench.

Wallabies – 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Sefa Naivalu, 13 Israel Folau, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Ned Hanigani, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Izack Rodda , 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Faingaa, 1 Scott Sio.
Subs (one to be omitted): 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 Jack Dempsey, 21 Pete Samu, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Samu Kerevi, 24 Tom Banks.

All Blacks

Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images