Wallabies bolster lineout for third Ireland Test

SYDNEY: Australia coach Michael Cheika has bolstered his line-out with the selection of Lukhan Tui at blindside flanker for the series-deciding third Test against Ireland in Sydney tomorrow.

The inclusion of Tui sees David Pocock shift from the No 6 jersey back to number eight, with Caleb Timu dropping out of the 23-man match day squad altogether.

Captain Michael Hooper remains as openside flanker.

Lock Adam Coleman has also been retained despite being forced off last week by a head clash with teammate Israel Folau.

Blindside flanker Ned Hanigan has been brought back into the replacements bench after recovering from a knee injury, with Pete Samu also providing cover in the loose forwards.

Nick Phipps has been promoted from the bench to replace the injured Will Genia, who broke his right arm in last week’s 26-21 loss in Melbourne.

ACT Brumbies scrumhalf Joe Powell has come on to the bench for Cheika’s side.

Cheika had selected an unchanged side for the second Test and made only two changes, one of which was enforced with Genia’s injury, for the decider in Sydney.

Several underperforming players may be getting an opportunity to show the coach they should remain in his plans.

Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa has had issues finding his jumpers in the line-out while centre Samu Kerevi has barely had any impact in either of the first two Tests. – Reuters