Skip to content

Australia makes three changes for Wales clash

Sean McMahon scores a try for Australia against Uruguay
Image: Sean McMahon scores a try for Australia against Uruguay

Australia have made three changes to their team for their Pool A decider with Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

Sean McMahon replaces the suspended Michael Hooper as openside flanker, Drew Mitchell comes on to the left wing in place of the injured Rob Horne (shoulder) and in the second row Exeter's Dean Mumm takes Rob Simmons' place.

Hooper was handed a week's ban for charging into a ruck shoulder first to clear out England full-back Mike Brown last Saturday.

The selection of McMahon though means Australia will continue to deploy two openside flankers in the back-row. 

Wales have also gone with two opensides in their back row - Sam Warburton, who will play at No 6, and Justin Tipuric.

Dean Mumm in action for Australia against Argentina
Image: Exeter lock Dean Mumm comes into Australia second row

Australia coach Michael Cheika said: "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 two days to continue to make them, both individually and as a team.

Also See:

"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."

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 1 Scott Sio, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Kane Douglas, 5 Dean Mumm, 6 Scott Fardy, 7 Sean McMahon, 8 David Pocock,

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

Around Sky