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Cooper starts at out-half on Saturday. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Team news

Two changes for Wallabies ahead of Ireland clash

Ewen McKenzie has made a switch at tighthead prop and blindside flanker for the game in Dublin on Saturday.

AUSTRALIA COACH EWEN McKenzie has named a full-strength side for the clash with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

There are two personnel changes to the team, with Scott Fardy and Sekope Kepu coming into the forwards pack at blindside flanker and tighthead prop respectively.

Will Genia and Quade Cooper continue as the half-back pairing, while Ben Mowen captains the side from No. 8.

Fardy’s inclusion in the starting XV means that Rob Simmons, who impressed wearing the number six shirt against Italy last weekend, reverts to his natural position in the second row. Kepu replaces Ben Alexander on the right-hand side of the Wallabies’ front-row, with the Brumbies prop rested for this fixture.

McKenzie’s back-line makes for impressive reading, with Tevita Kuridrani and Matt Toomua continuing the burgeoning centre partnership that Luke Marshall and Brian O’Driscoll will be so eager to test. Out wide, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nick Cummins provide finishing power, while fullback Israel Folau is Australia’s most potent attacking weapon.

Sitaleki Timani moves to the bench to accommodate Fardy’s inclusion, where he joins the likes of Liam Gill, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Joe Tomane in being prepared to make a second-half impact.

Australia (v Ireland): Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Nick Cummins; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; James Slipper, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu; Rob Simmons, James Horwill; Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen (c).

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Sitaleki Timani, Liam Gill, Nic White, Christian Leal’ifano, Joe Tomane.

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