Michael Cheika’s first match in charge of the Wallabies will be against the Barbarians at Twickenham in a friendly that features plenty of household names. The new coach has opted for Matt Hodgson as openside and captain, choosing to rest Michael Hooper ahead of next week’s test match, in a move that immediately shows his desire to restore some respect to the embattled team. Hodgson is well respected and as far from the glitz-and-glam of Australia’s golden boys as you could hope to get.
Another bold move is the restoration of Will Genia and Quade Cooper as halfbacks as first opportunity. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the pair will oust incumbents Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley, but it certainly gives them a crack at it. Matt To’omua has worked well with Cooper in the past and their relationship as first and second receivers should feature strongly as well. Henry Speight makes his long awaited debut on the right wing, though he’ll have to wait at least another week for his first test cap.
Rebels flanker Sean McMahon is included on the bench. The 7s and u20s star doesn’t really fit into either traditional flanker role, but there’s no doubting his engine and commitment. Should he succeed, and it wouldn’t be wise to bet against him, it would be a distinctly positive story at the end of a very tumultuous season in Wallaby-land.
The Barbarians feature their usual mix of international names and cult heros, led by Australia’s favorite exile Nick Cummins. An All Black back row of Adam Thomson, Matt Todd, and Steven Luatua looks pretty useful, and a truly towering second row pairing of Dominic Bird and captain Alastair Kellock should prove more than a little intimidating at the lineout. Lions tourist Matt Stevens returns to prop up his first scrum on English soil since returning to his native South Africa this summer.
A few other fringe test players have conveniently shown up in the north, no doubt on call for international duty should more injuries strike, including Bledisloe hero Colin Slade, left out of the All Blacks touring squad. A pair of pocket dynamos line up in the midfield in the forms of Francis Saili and Juan de Jongh, with contrasting giant Frank Halai lurking on the wing. Former Manu Samoa captain Mo Schwalger steps out of recent retirement for one last big game appearance as a reserve hooker.
There’s not much to prognosticate on in this one. The style of rugby should suit Genia and Cooper to a tee, and hopefully provide the fans with some cracking tries. The Barbarians aren’t quite as powerful as they have been in recent times though many players will be keen to look sharp in case of an emergency call-up. Look for the Wallabies to get back on track with a colourful performance and a 20 point victory.
BARBARIANS vs AUSTRALIA
Saturday, November 1, 14:30 GMT, London
Referee: Jaco Peyper (SARU)
Assistants: J.P. Doyle (RFU) & Greg Garner (RFU)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (RFU)
