Sean McMahon
Sean McMahon returns to the Australian starting lineup in one of three changes ahead of their final year-end Test, against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
With Tevita Kuridrani unavailable due to a low-grade ankle injury, Test veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper has been selected at outside centre, which allows Rob Horne to earn a starting position on the wing.
The starting line-up is otherwise unchanged with McMahon part of a back row including captain Michael Hooper and Ben McCalman, locks Sam Carter and Rob Simmons, and a front row of James Slipper, Saia Fainga’a and Sekope Kepu.
In the backs Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley continue their play-making partnership,Matt Toomua joins Adam Ashley-Cooper in the centres, with a back three consisting of Israel Folau, Rob Horne and Henry Speight.
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The Wallabies bench will be finalised and announced closer to the match.
The match is Australia’s final match of their five-game year-end tour, which has also included games against the Barbarians, Wales, France and Ireland.
After beating the BaaBaas 40-36 and Wales 33-28, the Wallabies lost to France (26-29) and Ireland (23-26) – making victory over England a must if they are to claim some prog5ress under new coach Michael Cheika.
Wallaby lock Rob Simmons will play his milestone 50th Test for Australia in Saturday’s Cook Cup clash.
The 25-year-old becomes the sixth Australian forward to reach the 50-game milestone in 2014 – joining props James Slipper and Sekope Kepu, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, lock James Horwill and No 8 Wycliff Palu.
Wallabies: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Michael Hooper (Captain), 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: TBC
Date: Saturday 29 November
Venue: Twickenham, London
Kick-Off: 16:30 SA Time (14:30 BST & GMT, 01:30 Sunday AEST)
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Mathieu Raynal (France)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)