Cheika forced into changes

– Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been forced to revamp his front row and gamble on an untested centres pairing for today’s Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand.

Australia are desperate for a win at ANZ Stadium in a fixture that doubles as the first Bledisloe Cup Test, but were dealt a blow when loosehead Scott Sio failed a fitness test.

His shoulder problem means Tom Robertson (above) has been drafted into the front row, alongside recalled hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and veteran Sekope Kepu at blindside.

Robertson will be making only his third Test start.

“He (Sio) could do certain things and he couldn’t do others and it was 50/50 but I prefer to call it early in the week,” said Cheika.

“Roberston is only young but I think he’s had his best year in the pro game by far.”

Being selected for a Bledisloe match is life-changing for Robertson, who grew up watching the annual trans-Tasman battle.

“I watched the Bledisloe Cup since I was a kid and to actually be starting in one is a dream come true,” he said.

Injuries to Tevita Kuridrani and Samu Kerivu mean Reece Hodge starts in the No 13 jersey for the first time, combining with Kurtley Beale in the centre.

There was some good news for Cheika, who is seeking to end a 15-year Bledisloe losing run, with skipper Michael Hooper and wing Dane Haylett-Petty overcoming injury concerns.

Melbourne Rebels utility back Jack Maddocks is in line to make his international debut after being named on the bench. –

Sydney