McCalman starting in Bledisloe
http://www.westernforce.com.au/NewsE...8/Default.aspx
By RugbyWA Media, ARU Media
Emirates Western Force flanker, Ben McCalman, has been promoted to the Wallabies starting XV in this Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
McCalman made a significant impact off the bench for the Wallabies during their Rugby Championship campaign and has been rewarded for his efforts, replacing the injured Scott Fardy (eye).
Scrumhalf Will Genia will become just the 39th player to reach the prestigious 50-game milestone for Australia in Saturday night’s match.
It’s a deserving honour for the talented Queensland Reds playmaker as he joins Wallabies greats George Gregan (139) and Nick Farr Jones (63) as only the third Australian scrumhalf to accomplish the milestone.
Saturday night will also be a special occasion for NSW Waratahs winger Peter Betham as he makes his Test debut for Australia in one of the four changes made to the starting line-up which recently scored seven tries in a convincing 54-17 victory over Argentina.
ACT Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua has also earned his third starting appearance for Australia and will replace injured teammate Christian Leali’ifano (ankle) in the number 12 jersey.
On the bench, NSW Waratahs backrower Dave Dennis and versatile Queensland Reds back Mike Harris are both in line to receive their first opportunities in the green and gold jersey for 2013.
McKenzie said his squad was also looking forward to the challenge of a third Test against the All Blacks, who are aiming to win a record 30th consecutive game on home soil in New Zealand.
“The All Blacks are the most consistent team in world Rugby and their record proves just how formidable they are when playing at home in front of their fans,” he said.
“History indicates that playing the All Blacks is a significant challenge, but you want to be measuring yourself against the best performing teams in the world and we are very much looking forward to that on Saturday night.
“It was pleasing to see us take a step in the right direction against Argentina, but the test for us now is to produce that form week-in and week-out.”
The Wallabies side to play New Zealand in the third Bledisloe Cup Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday 19 October is:
1. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
2. Stephen Moore (ACT Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
4. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
5. James Horwill (c – Queensland Reds)
6. Ben Mowen (vc - ACT Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs)
8. Ben McCalman (Emirates Western Force)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)*
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
11. Peter Betham (NSW Waratahs)**
12. Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (ACT Brumbies)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
16. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
17. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
18. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
19. Sitaleki Timani (NSW Waratahs)
20. Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs)
21. Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
22. Mike Harris (Queensland Reds)
23. Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs)
*50 games for Australia
**debutant
