Toomua at 12 for Wallabies

Editor

Australia have named Matt Toomua at centre while Ben McCalman is at eight for Saturday's showdown with New Zealand in Dunedin.

Australia have named Matt Toomua at inside centre while Ben McCalman starts at eight for their Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand in Dunedin.

Brumbies fly-half Toomua replaces injured team-mate Christian Lealiifano in the number 12 jersey while an eye injury to Scott Fardy has forced a reshuffle among the loose forwards, with McCalman earning a start in the back-row and Ben Mowen moving to the blindside flank.

The Test will see Will Genia become only the third Wallaby scrum-half to reach the 50-game milestone behind George Gregan and Nick Farr-Jones.

At the other end of the career spectrum, winger Peter Betham will make his debut in one of four changes to the team that started against Argentina after midweek injuries to fellow outside backs Joe Tomane and Chris Feauai-Sautia.

There are two changes on the bench, with Dave Dennis and Mike Harris called into the squad in what has so far been a disappointing year for the Wallabies, who have won only three of nine Tests.

Although there is nothing at stake on Saturday when the Wallabies face the All Blacks for the third time this year – the All Blacks won the first two matches to secure the Bledisloe Cup – McKenzie said his squad relished the challenge.

“The All Blacks are the most consistent team in world rugby and their record proves just how formidable they are when playing at home in front of their fans,” he said.

“History indicates that playing the All Blacks is a significant challenge, but you want to be measuring yourself against the best-performing teams in the world and we are very much looking forward to that on Saturday night.”

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Peter Betham, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ben Mowen, 5 James Horwill (capt), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Sitaleki Timani, 20 Dave Dennis, 21 Nic White, 22 Mike Harris, 23 Bernard Foley.

Date: Saturday, October 16
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Stuart Berry (South Africa)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)