Kuridrani In For Kerevi
Samu Kerevi has been dropped and Rob Simmons recalled from the wilderness to start in the Wallabies’ team against the All Blacks in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Dunedin.
Coach Michael Cheika made three changes to the side beaten 54-34 in Sydney and the defensive strength of the midfield was a clear issue, with Tevita Kuridrani rushed back into the no. 13 jersey.
Kuridrani’s presence in the second half saw the Wallabies’ defence improve dramatically and the experienced Brumbies centre will be partnered with Kurtley Beale in the centres.
Kerevi’s defensive deficiencies were exposed by the All Blacks in Bledisloe I.
Kerevi, who missed 50% of his tackles last week, was dropped out the side altogether.
Dane Haylett-Petty returns from a biceps injury that ruled him out of the opening clash, with Curtis Rona moved back to the bench.
The shock selection from Cheika comes in the forward pack, where Rory Arnold has been replaced by Simmons.
Simmons had such a mixed season with the Queensland Reds he struggled to make the starting second row and was informed he wouldn’t be resigned next season.
But the 72-Test veteran, who is set to sign with the Waratahs next year, has won his way back into the Wallabies starting side over Arnold. Arnold’s performances alongside Adam Coleman in the second row had been strong, too, so Cheika has thrown enormous faith in Simmons.
Stephen Moore retained the no. 2 over Tatafu Polota-Nau, and Jack Dempsey was bracketed with Lopeti Timani on the bench.
1. Scott Sio (33 Tests), 2. Stephen Moore (121 Tests), 3. Allan Alaalatoa (13 Tests), 4. Rob Simmons (72 Tests), 5. Adam Coleman (13 Tests), 6. Ned Hanigan (4 Tests),
7. Michael Hooper (c) (69 Tests), 8. Sean McMahon (16 Tests), 9. Will Genia (79 Tests), 10. Bernard Foley (46 Tests), 11. Henry Speight (13 Tests),
12. Kurtley Beale (61 Tests), 13. Tevita Kuridrani (48 Tests), 14. Dane Haylett-Petty (17 Tests), 15. Israel Folau (56 Tests).
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (72 Tests), 17. Tom Robertson (10 Tests)
18. Sekope Kepu (81 Tests), 19. Rory Arnold (13 Tests), 20. Lopeti Timani (8 Tests)/Jack Dempsey (1 Test), 21. Nick Phipps (53 Tests), 22. Reece Hodge (14 Tests)
23. Curtis Rona (1 Test).