Cheika makes history ahead of second Test
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Michael Cheika named an unchanged Wallabies line-up for the first time in his four-year tenure for the second Test against Ireland in Melbourne.
It is the only time Cheika has retained the same match-day squad for back-to-back Tests in his 46 games in charge, after taking the reins in November 2014.
The Wallabies won the opening match of the three-Test series 18-9 over the Six Nations champions in Brisbane last weekend.
Cheika made no changes despite the availability after injury of flank Ned Hanigan (knee) and lock Rory Arnold (suspension).
There was talk he would rush back Hanigan into the team to strengthen the line-out, which was one area that wobbled in the first Test against Ireland, the world’s number two ranked team.
Caleb Timu maintained his position in the back row and even with Cheika keeping a six-two forwards-backs split on the bench, Arnold could not oust Rob Simmons or Lukhan Tui for a spot among the reserves.
Ireland last played Australia in Melbourne in 2008, when the Wallabies won 18-12.
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 Caleb Timu, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 David Pocock 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Lukhan Tui, 21 Pete Samu, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Reece Hodge.
Date: Saturday, June 16
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 20.05 (11.05 UK & Ireland time; 10.05 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Pascal Gaüzère (France), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
Agence France-Presse
