Melbourne Rebels flanker Sean McMahon will make his international debut, replacing an injured Scott Fardy, while No 8 Ben McCalman takes over from Scott Higginbotham, who is also sidelined through injury while there are returns for Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper after being rested for last week’s clash against the Barbarians.
The bench is stacked with talent and caps with half-backs Quade Cooper and Will Genia joining experienced campaigners Ben Alexander and James Horwill among the replacements.
McMahon, 20, is a rising force in Australian rugby, having earned rave reviews during the Super 15 but Cheika has no doubts he has what it takes to make it in the big time.
“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, who takes charge of his first Test after replacing Ewen McKenzie.
“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,” Cheika 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: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali’ifano, Joe Tomane, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Ben McCalman, Michael Hooper (capt), Sean McMahon, Rob Simmons, Sam Carter, Sekope Kepu, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper.
Replacements: James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Matt Hodgson, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob HorneÂ
