As reported last week, a Wallaby trial will take place this Friday night in Sydney in preparation for the Bledisloe Cup.
The team they will play against has been named and it is an intriguing mix of Super Rugby players, Western Force players, club players and exiles.
- James Slipper (Bond University/Queensland Reds)
- Anaru Rangi (Endeavour Hills/Melbourne Rebels)
- Sam Talakai (Box Hill/Melbourne Rebels)
- Blake Enever (Easts/Brumbies)
- Matt Philip (Endeavour Hills/Melbourne Rebels)
- Angus Cottrell (Power House/Melbourne Rebels)
- Richard Hardwick (Harlequins/Melbourne Rebels)
- Pat Sio (Eastwood)
- Moses Sorovi (Wests/Queensland Reds)
- Andrew Deegan (Wanneroo/Western Force)
- Filipo Daugunu (Wests/Queensland Reds)
- Duncan Paia’aua (Norths/Queensland Reds)
- Tom English – captain (Melbourne Unicorns/Melbourne Rebels)
- Pama Fou (Eastwood)
- Semisi Tupou (Box Hill/Melbourne Rebels)
Reserves
- Hugh Roach (Eastwood/NSW Waratahs)
- Fereti Sa’aga (Melbourne University/Melbourne Rebels)
- Mees Erasmus (Easts/Brumbies)
- Angus Blyth (Bond University/Queensland Reds)
- Tevin Ferris (Nedlands/Western Force)
- Mick Snowden (Eastwood)
- Sam Lane (Manly)
- Fabian Goodall (Eastwood)
James Slipper’s name is perhaps the biggest surprise as the former Wallaby makes his return to top-class rugby (ish) following his cocaine suspension. It now leaves the ball firmly in Brad Thorn’s court as to what happens at Super Rugby level, while NRC selection is also likely. Quade Cooper was not considered due to club duties, however Karmichael Hunt’s name is noticeably absent.
Coaches John Manenti and Tim Walsh have also brought in representatives from the Western Force including Andrew Deegan, who will start at flyhalf, and Tevin Ferris who starts from the bench.
Manenti’s input is evidence with the strong Eastwood representation with Pat Sio surely having a Super Rugby trial as the Waratahs in particular look for more impact from their pack. Former Aussie 7s star Pama Fou will play on the wing and one could imagine Aussie Men’s 7’s coach, Walsh, having a word to him about a potential return to the shortened game.
Cheika will name his side later this week.
The match will take place at Leichardt Oval next Friday (3 August) night from 6:45pm. The match will be free of charge and will also be live streamed at rugby.com.au
