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http://www.rugby.com.au/News/NewsArt...ARBARIANS.aspx
QANTAS WALLABIES ANNOUNCE TEAM TO PLAY BARBARIANS
10/30/2014
By ARU Media Unit
Qantas Wallabies backrower Matt Hodgson will be given the honour of captaining Australia in Saturday’s opening match of the 2014 Spring Tour against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
New Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has given Hodgson the responsibility of leading a team which boasts 495 Test caps in the starting line-up, and which also includes four players who will wear the green and gold jersey for the first time in 2014.
The clash against the Barbarians is an uncapped international although will see playmakers Quade Cooper and Will Genia, winger Henry Speight and backrower Sean McMahon receive their first opportunities for Australia this year.
An extended nine-man bench has also been named for the clash with one player to be omitted following Thursday afternoon’s training session in London.
Cheika said the team was looking forward to the opportunity on Saturday.
“We’ve worked really hard this week on ensuring our team has a clear understanding of how we want to play, next is to transfer this into the game on Saturday,” Cheika said.
“You sense they’re all looking forward to the opportunity against the Barbarians, and so far I’ve been impressed with the level of consistency they’ve brought to their work.
“This team contains a mix of players from our last game and also experienced players eager to push their way into the Test team. We’re all looking forward to playing our first game for Australia on this tour.”
Cheika also recognised Hodgson for his season with the Force by selecting him as captain.
“Matt has demonstrated exceptional leadership attributes at the Western Force for a long time now, and he deserves this opportunity being given to him,” he said.
“To captain your country is a huge honour and I’ve got no doubt he’ll step up and provide the team with the right direction and leadership needed against the Barbarians on Saturday.”
(Matt Hodgson will be given the honour of captaining Australia in Saturday’s opening match of the 2014 Spring Tour )
Hodgson will lead a backrower which includes fellow Force teammate Ben McCalman at No.8 and Scott Higginbotham at blindside flanker.
The starting tight-five for the match consists of hooker Saia Fainga’a and props Benn Robinson and Ben Alexander in the front-row, while Sam Carter and James Horwill will pack down as the two locks.
Genia and Cooper will be responsible for sparking a backline which includes Matt Toomua and Tevita Kuridrani in the centres; Rob Horne and Henry Speight on the wings; and Israel Folau at fullback.
The match is Australia’s first of their five-game Spring Tour, which also includes matches against Wales, France, Ireland and England.
The Qantas Wallabies side to play the Barbarians in their opening match of the 2014 Spring Tour at Twickenham on Saturday 1 November is:
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
2. Saia Fainga'a (Queensland Reds)
3. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
4. Sam Carter (ACT Brumbies)
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds)
6. Scott Higginbotham (Melbourne Rebels)
7. Matt Hodgson (Western Force)
8. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
11. Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)
12. Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (ACT Brumbies)
14. Henry Speight (ACT Brumbies)
15. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
Reserves*
James Hanson (Queensland Reds)
James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
Will Skelton (NSW Waratahs)
Sean McMahon (Melbourne Rebels)
Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs)
Christian Leali'ifano (ACT Brumbies)
Joe Tomane (ACT Brumbies)
*One to be omitted
how to make friends with Force fans, huh Cheika?!
All a part of the NSW conspiracy![]()
if he makes this same change for the other matches I'll be a happy little vegemite
SMH say Hooper is being rested (bless his little cotton socks)
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/au...30-11dylk.html
Irrespective of motives ect. I am absolutely stoked for Matt, what an honour what a year, recognition at last!
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Cheika needs wins to consolidate his appointment.
I reckon that Kyle and Tet will only get a run through injury to others.
However, what great experience they are getting in preparation for RWC next year......
Great news for Hodgo, and about time too!
Disappointing not to see Kyle, Tetera or Luke Jones on the bench at least to show what they can do. I guess that means they're just likely to be tourists unless there's an injury or two. Good experience regardless though.
Very surprising Tetera hasn't been given a bench spot for Slipper or Kepu to give them a rest
Watch out Honey Budger!!!