Eto Nabuli to make Australia debut against Scotland
Thursday 15 June 2017 11:15, UK
Australia will hand former NRL winger Eto Nabuli a Test debut against Scotland this weekend as the Wallabies make one change to the XV that beat Fiji.
Cross-code convert Nabuli comes in for Henry Speight, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury after scoring two tries in Saturday's 37-14 win over the Fijians in Melbourne.
Australia coach Michael Cheika said of Fiji-born Nabuli, 28: "He's been very physical and been working hard so I thought it was a good opportunity to give him a reward.
"I think he's had that little bit more edge during the two weeks we've been together.
"He's really knuckled down on his knowledge - he's been very enthusiastic as well, some big strong running and I think he's merited the opportunity.
"Also throughout the season, I think his improvement from last year to this year has been excellent and I suppose that's a good form guide to when someone's improving."
Nabuli, who swapped codes to join the Reds last year, becomes the fifth Wallabies debutant this month after Ned Hanigan, Richard Hardwick, Karmichael Hunt and Joe Powell all made their international bows last weekend.
Lock Hanigan and centre Hunt - another former rugby league player - have retained their place in Australia's starting line-up as Cheika keeps changes to a minimum for the Allianz Stadium showdown with Scotland.
Australia are set to confirm their replacements on Friday.
In contrast to their hosts, Scotland have named a much-changed side for the clash in Sydney, with eight new faces and three positional changes in the matchday XV compared to the 34-13 win over Italy.
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett Petty, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia; 1 Tom Roberson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Sam Carter, 5 Adam Coleman, 6 Ned Hanigan, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 8 Scott Higginbotham.
Replacements: TBC