Autumn Internationals 2014: Australia team to play Wales

Michael Cheika has named his first test match team, to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday. Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley return to the half-back berths, with Genia and Cooper named on the bench.

Sean McMahon will make his test debut on the blindside flank, while Michael Hooper returns as captain on the openside.

“Going into the Barbarians match it was made clear that players had an opportunity to push their way into the Test team with a strong performance,” said Cheika.

“Sean made the most of his opportunity and brought great work-rate and physicality to our game.

“This selection also recognises the outstanding year he has had at all levels of the game, and he thoroughly deserves the chance to debut for Australia.”

“I’ve been really pleased with attitude and commitment of the team and by how they have embraced a new environment and way of doing things,” he added.

“Everyone has worked really hard on preparing themselves in the best possible way, and we’re all excited about the opportunity to represent Australia and give our absolute best on Saturday.”

Australia team to play Wales:

15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Leali’ifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.

Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 James Horwill, 20 Will Skelton, 21 Matt Hodgson, 22 Will Genia, 23 Rob Horne.

Date: Saturday, November 8
Kick-off: 14:30 local (GMT)
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)