Cheika's Wallabies very promising?
REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS: The Wallabies trial match at Leichhardt Oval ended up in a convincing win for the Australia XV selection over an assembled Super Rugby XV.
Michael Cheika’s side ran out 57-12 victors over the Australian Super Selection with Tom Banks impressing from fullback.
The clash was used as a warm-up for the opening Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, August 18.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was pleased with what he saw at the Leichhardt with a number of players putting up their hands for Bledisloe selection.
Fullback Tom Banks was super in attack and defence, along with centre Billy Meakes and electric wings Jack Maddocks and Marika Koroibete standing up, while Lukhan Tui was effective in the pack.
Matt Toomua played his first Australian game in nearly two years at Leichhardt Oval, a surprise late inclusion just two days after confirming his looming Australian return.
While the Wallabies trial squad had plenty of contenders trying to cement their Test spots, the Super Rugby Selection had their own standouts.
Andrew Deegan and Duncan Paiaaua steered their team well and openside Hardwick was monstrous in the breakdown and a threat in attack.
Prop James Slipper put in a solid 27-minute to start the match, playing almost a half overall, in his first outing for close to three months after a drug suspension.
Wallabies prop Scott Sio was the only injury worry for Cheika’s squad, coming off early in the piece as a precautionary move for a shoulder injury.
The Wallabies squad for a pre-Bledisloe camp will travel to Cessnock on Sunday, with the Waratahs contingent to link up with their teammates.
The scorers:
For Wallabies:
Tries: Timu 2, Maddocks, Koroibete, Banks, Pocock, Tui, Ainsley, Petaia
Cons: Hodge 3 Toomua 3
For Super Rugby Selections
Tries: Hardwick, Gordon
Con: Deegan
Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Marika Koroibete, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Jack Maddocks, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Will Genia, 8 Caleb Timu, 7 David Pocock (captain), 6 Adam Korczyk, 5 Rory Arnold, 4 Adam Coleman, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Folau Faingaa, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Tetera Faulkner, 17 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Harry Hockings, 21 Lukhan Tui, 22 Liam Wright, 23 Isi Naisarani, 24 Joe Powell, 27 Jed Holloway, 28 Jordan Petaia, 29 Sefa Naivalu, 30 Jake Gordon.
Australian Super Selection: 15 Semisi Tupou, 14 Pama Fou, 13 Tom English (captain), 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Andrew Deegan, 9 Moses Sorovi, 8 Pat Sio, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Blake Enever, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Fereti Sa’aga, 18 Mees Erasmus, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Tevin Ferris, 21 Mick Snowden, 22 Sam Lane, 23 Fabian Goodall.
Source: Rugbypass & @rugbycomau
