TOKYO — Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has overhauled his backline for Sunday’s blockbuster Rugby World Cup clash against Wales.
Australia will take on considerably different look out wide and in the halves with veterans Will Genia, Bernard Foley, Dane Haylett-Petty and Adam Ashley-Cooper all brought in to the starting side.
Genia and Foley will reprise their combination from the corresponding game four years ago after nic White was moved to the bench and Christian Lealiifano dumped altogether, while Haylett-Petty is promoted ahead of Kurtley Beale and Ashley-Cooper comes in for the suspended Reece Hodge.
The back-row combination of skipper Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Isi Naisarani has been retained as part of the same pack that started against Fiji.
AUSTRALIA: Dane Haylett-Petty, Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Alan Alaalatoa, Tolu Latu, Scott Sio. Reoplacements: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Adam Coleman, Lukhan Salakai-Loto, Nic White, Matt To’omua, Kurtley Beale.