Cheika rings the changes for Italy Test

RUGBY UNION:

Stephen Moore has been reinstalled as Wallabies captain and starting hooker as part of a major overhaul by coach Michael Cheika.

Responding to a disappointing loss to Scotland in Sydney, the Australian coach made six changes in the starting XV to meet Italy tomorrow in Brisbane.

Moore was named for his first start of the year in the front row, replacing Tatafu Polota-Nau at hooker and resuming his captaincy duties from Michael Hooper.

Prop Scott Sio has replaced Tom Robertson and in the second row, Brumbies lock Rory Arnold will replace Sam Carter.

Powerhouse Lopeti Timani will start at No.8.

In the backs, Rob Horne has replaced Tevita Kuridrani at outside centre and Melbourne flyer Sefa Naivalu will take the starting wing spot of Eto Nabuli.

It appears Kuridrani has been dropped after some passive ball carries in the Scotland game.

The bench will not be finalised until today.

Meanwhile, winger Julian Savea has been cut from the All Blacks side to face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test tomorrow.

Savea has been replaced on the left wing by 20-year-old Blues flyer Rieko Ioane, who will become the youngest All Black to start a Test in 12 years.

Captain Kieran Read (thumb) returns from injury at No.8 in place of Savea’s younger brother, Ardie.

Wallabies XV: 1 Scott Sio 2 Stephen Moore (c) 3 Allan Alaalatoa 4 Rory Arnold 5 Adam Coleman 6 Ned Hanigan 7 Michael Hooper 8 Lopeti Timani 9 Will Genia 10 Bernard Foley 11 Sefa Naivalu 12 Karmichael Hunt 13 Rob Horne 14 Dane Haylett-Petty 15 Israel Folau