Cheika takes axe to Wallabies

Michael Cheika has delivered on his promise there would be changes for the Wallabies’ clash with Italy, with six new players named in a revamped starting XV.

Rob Horne, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio, Rory Arnold, Lopeti Timani and Sefa Naivalu have all been rewarded with places in the starting side, some through form and other as a result of rotation.

Interestingly, Moore has been named at starting hooker and will captain the side in place of Michael Hooper – a clear sign Cheika still wants Moore as skipper of the team when he could easily transition him out of the role before the 2019 World Cup.

The 34-year-old came off the bench in the Wallabies’ first two tests of the year and will take the reigns ahead of Tatafu Polota-Nau.

When Moore runs out at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow afternoon, he will become the 10th most capped international player in what will be his 120th test match.

Sio has edged out Tom Robertson for the loosehead prop spot after his recovery from a knee injury, while Rory Arnold has squeezed out his Brumbies captain Sam Carter in the second row where he will partner Adam Coleman.

Timani, who started at No 8 in five tests last year, will get his chance at the back of the scrum in place of Reds back-rower Scott Higginbotham.

In the backs, Tevita Kuridrani and Eto Nabuli have been dropped from the starting side and will be replaced by Horne and Naivalu.

Horne can count himself lucky for he was not initially named in Cheika’s June squad but earned a late callup when Samu Kerevi was ruled out through injury.

And given Horne has signed for UK Premiership side Northampton Saints next season, the 27-year-old could be forgiven for thinking he would never wear a gold jersey for at least the next few years.

Horne will start at No 13 and the last time he began a game there for the Wallabies was in August 2012 against the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Naivalu’s selection is another example of the revolving door of Fijian wingers throughout this series.

Will Genia, Bernard Foley and inside-centre Karmichael Hunt have all been retained in their positions following Australia’s shock five-point loss to Scotland in Sydney last Saturday.

Cheika will finalise his bench today.