No Moore: Australian skipper cops the axe

RUGBY UNION: Wallabies captain Stephen Moore has been dropped by coach Michael Cheika for the first Test of the year in a bombshell announcement in Melbourne.

Moore remains the squad captain but his starting hooking position has been taken by Tatafu Polota-Nau, while Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper will lead the Australian side on the field against Fiji tomorrow.

The 34-year-old has struggled for top form with Queensland this year and this could be the first sign Cheika is blooding Hooper to be his captain for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

In another surprise move, former NRL and AFL star Karmichael Hunt has been handed his Test debut at inside centre, despite playing most of his career as a fullback for the Reds.

Hunt will be the secondary playmaking option and is one of two debutants in the starting side, the other being NSW flanker Ned Hanigan at blindside.

The bench will be confirmed today, although Moore is likely to be Polota-Nau’s back-up.

“Tatafu has been challenging Stephen for the No.2 jersey for many years and his form has warranted his selection,” Cheika said.

“Stephen is our captain and he’ll be up to the challenge of what both Tatafu and Tolu (Latu) will bring this series.

“We’re growing a young leadership team within our side and Michael is a key man in this.

“His leadership at the Tahs has been exceptional this year and we expect the same on Saturday.”

Brumbies captain Sam Carter has beaten teammate Rory Arnold for a starting second-row spot, while veteran Scott Higginbotham makes a return as starting No.8.