Breaking: Wallabies Team Named For Ireland Clash
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Dean Mumm has been recalled to the starting side as the Wallabies brace for a lineout assault from Ireland this weekend.
A noted lineout target, Mumm replaces Lopeti Timani in the back-row as the only non-injury enforced change to the top side that defeated Scotland a fortnight ago.
Mumm will start at blindside flanker, with David Pocock reverting to No. 8 to partner Michael Hooper in the loose forwards.
Timani has done absolutely nothing wrong, we want to focus a little bit more on our lineout this week and the threat that Ireland might pose there — they’re very good in that area,” Head coach Michael Cheika said.
“Dean brings a lot of experience and quality in that area.
“But then we’ll probably lose a bit of Lopeti’s ball carrying too. It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other but we decided that was probably an important thing for this game and that’s how we’ll run.”
Rob Simmons, who replaced the injured Adam Coleman last weekend in Paris when Australia defeated France 25-23, retains his spot in the side as chief lineout caller given Coleman has flown home for surgery.
AUSTRALIA
XV: 15. Israel Folau 14. Dane Haylett-Petty 13. Tevita Kuridrani 12. Reece Hodge 11. Henry Speight 10. Bernard Foley 9. Will Genia 8. David Pocock 7. Michael Hooper 6. Dean Mumm 5. Rob Simmons 4. Rory Arnold 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Stephen Moore (captain) 1. Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16. Tolu Latu 17. James Slipper 18. Allan Alaalatoa 19. Kane Douglas 20. Lopeti Timani 21. Sean McMahon 22. Nick Phipps 23. Quade Cooper 24. Sefanaia Naivalu (one to be omitted).
