Cheika wields axe on front rowers

AUCKLAND: The blowtorch has been turned on Australia’s front rowers after Michael Cheika made multiple changes to match the All Blacks’ muscle and square the Bledisloe Cup series.

Cheika has had to revamp his scrum, shunted unceremoniously during the 3813 loss in Sydney, for tomorrow night’s rematch at Eden Park.

He has made three personnel changes, one positional switch and introduced two new caps on the bench.

Dane HaylettPetty will fill Israel Folau’s void at fullback and Jack Maddocks is promoted to the wing in a starting side that will feature two fresh props in Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa.

Cheika has punted Waratahs props Tom Robertson and Sekope Kepu to the bench while reserve hooker Tolu Latu has been left out of the matchday 23 altogether after a horrible showing by Australia at lineout time.

Kepu’s demotion is a surprise but Cheika wanted to send a message to the 95test veteran, believing Australia’s scrum stabilised when 24yearold tighthead Alaalatoa replaced him.

‘‘Allan has merited the opportunity ahead of Keps there, and

Keps is going to have to respond now,’’ Cheika said.

Cheika said Robertson impressed around the park but needed more work on his scrummaging, an area of strength for Sio.

Folau Faingaa is being thrown into the Eden Park cauldron in a continuation of a virtual hooker audition following Stephen Moore’s retirement.

Brandon PaengaAmosa started all three tests against Ireland in the absence of veteran Tatafu PolotaNau but Cheika wanted to see another of his new contenders in action.

HaylettPetty has played all 22 of his tests on the wing but said he was most comfortable in his favoured fullback role. — AAP