CHEIKA SAYS TOUR SPOTS UP FOR GRABS
WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika has declared there’s two spring tour spots up for grabs going into today’s clash with the Barbarians, news which should motivate players on both sides.
In addition to scrutinising several fringe players in his own squad, Cheika will run the rule over some of the many Australians in the Barbarians line-up. He will announce a squad of 33 or 34 either late today or tomorrow.
“This weekend is going to be a big game for a lot of players, there’s still a couple of spots on the tour available,” Cheika said.
“There’s probably one backline position and one forward position still available on tour, so we’re looking to see how we go this weekend with players that probably haven’t had a chance to play.”
Only Israel Folau and Jack Dempsey have been retained from the side that vanquished New Zealand last week, though the former has been named on the wing and the latter at blindside flanker.
Cheika was adamant making such a big reshuffle would increase rather than diminish momentum in the aftermath of the win over the world champion All Blacks.
“Behind the guys that have been playing there’s a group of players that are busting to play,” Cheika said.
Despite the changes, Australia will be favoured to build on their recent form. Cheika’s starting side contains two uncapped players in Queensland’s Duncan Paia’aua and the Force’s Billy Meakes.