TWO DEBUTANTS SET FOR TEST CAULDRON AGAINST IRELAND IN BRISBANE

Jun 7 • General News, International • 1492 Views • Comments Off on TWO DEBUTANTS SET FOR TEST CAULDRON AGAINST IRELAND IN BRISBANE

Qantas Wallabies team to play Ireland at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Saturday 9 June, 8.05pm AEST

1. Scott Sio (43 Tests)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa*
3. Sekope Kepu (91 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (4 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (20 Tests)
6. David Pocock (66 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (79 Tests)
8. Caleb Timu*
9. Will Genia (88 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (55 Tests)
11. Dane Haylett-Petty (18 Tests)
12. Kurtley Beale (71 Tests)
13. Samu Kerevi (18 Tests)
14. Marika Koroibete (8 Tests)
15. Israel Folau (62 Tests)

Reserves
16. Tolu Latu (4 Tests)
17. Allan Alaalatoa (23 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (1 Test)
19. Rob Simmons (82 Tests)
20. Lukhan Tui (4 Tests)
21. Pete Samu*
22. Nick Phipps (61 Tests)
23. Reece Hodge (24 Tests)
*denotes uncapped

Two debutants to start in first Test of 2018

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu to start in the first Test of the Mitsubishi Estate Ireland Series.

Saturday night’s clash will cap a remarkable rise for Paenga-Amosa who was playing for Southern Districts in Sydney’s Shute Shield this time last year.

Paenga-Amosa will become Wallaby 918 when he runs out alongside experienced front-rower Scott Sio and Sekope Kepu, to bookend the scrum against the world number two side.

Timu’s journey to the Gold jersey has been a different one. The 24-year old returned to Rugby in 2016 before suffering a serious knee injury in his first training session with the Queensland Reds.

Timu, who is set to become Wallaby 919, will partner David Pocock in the backrow in what will be his first Test since December 2016.

The Wallabies have named an otherwise settled starting fifteen that boasts 623 Test caps between them, and includes playmaking stars Will Genia, Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale.

Cheika has also confirmed a six-two bench for Saturday night’s Test that includes backrower Peter Samu, in what could be his Test debut.

Allan Alaalatoa will revert to loosehead prop on the bench to allow room for tighthead sensation Taniela Tupou to potentially play his first Test on home soil.

Ireland have won three of the last four meetings between the two sides but the Wallabies were victorious at their last game at Suncorp Stadium, when they prevailed 22-15 in 2010.

The Mitsubishi Estate Ireland Series will be the first-ever three Test Series between the two nations as Ireland look to extend their 12-match unbeaten run.

Tickets are selling fast for the Series with the third Test at Allianz Stadium in Sydney already sold out. For tickets, visit ticketek.com.

FOX SPORTS will showcase every match of the Mitsubishi Estate Ireland Series LIVE with no ad-breaks during play and in HD.

All matches will also be screened LIVE and free in HD on TEN and WIN Network and streaming on tenplay.com.au

Mitsubishi Estate Ireland Series

Qantas Wallabies v Ireland at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 9 June 8.05pm AEST
Qantas Wallabies v Ireland at AAMI Park, Melbourne, Saturday 16 June 8.05pm AEST
Qantas Wallabies v Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Saturday 23 June 8.05pm AEST