Sean McMahon
Sean McMahon will replace Michael Hooper in 1 of 3 changes to the Australian Wallabies side to take on Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Wallabies have been forced into 2 changes – with Rob Horne (shoulder injury) and Michael Hooper (suspension) ruled out for the match which will determine the winner of Pool A.
McMahon slots straight into the No 7 openside flanker jumper, the 21-year-old’s 2nd run-on selection for the tournament, with David Pocock remaining at No 8 to make his 4rth start at the back of the scrum. Pocock will also share the vice-captaincy with Adam Ashley-Cooper.
66-Test veteran Drew Mitchell comes onto the wing for Rob Horne, after a 2-try performance against Uruguay earlier in the tournament made him the 3rd-highest try scorer in Rugby World Cup history.
Dean Mumm has also been included in the Wallabies run-on team for the 2nd time at the Rugby World Cup, pairing up with Kane Douglas at lock with Rob Simmons moving to the bench.
Fullback Israel Folau has overcome an ankle injury to take his place in the side, continuing his good run with the Wallabies, having not missed a Test through injury since his 2013 debut against the British and Irish Lions.
Scott Sio is the only player to start in every Test for the Wallabies so far in the tournament, remaining at loosehead prop for the pivotal match.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said the team’s focus remains firmly on the task at hand.
“Every match in this tournament has required our team to step up to another level and we’ll need to do that again against an undefeated Welsh team.
“Every player in our squad knows the improvements required, and we still have 2 days to continue to make them, both individually and as a team.
“Saturday night at Twickenham is another opportunity for us to put in a solid performance and continue to build towards the next stage of the tournament.”
Wallabies: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Sean McMahon, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Dean Mumm, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (Captain), 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale.
Date: Saturday 10 October
Venue: Twickenham, London
Kick-Off: 17:45 SA Time (16:45 BST, 15:45 GMT, Sunday 02:45 AEST)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Stuart Berry (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
rugby365