Reece Hodge at 13 for Wallabies in Bledisloe trial

Michael Cheika has named Reece Hodge at outside centre and Hamish Stewart at fly-half for Friday’s Bledisloe Cup trial at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.

The Wallabies coach will use an extended squad to fine tune their match preparations ahead of the Bledisloe opener in Sydney on August 18 at ANZ Stadium.

Rolling substitutions will be permitted for Friday’s trial with the broader squad to each receive substantial playing minutes.

David Pocock will captain the side in the absence of Michael Hooper as he overcomes a hamstring strain.

Hodge will start at outside centre after injuries grounded Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani while young Queenslander Stewart will steer the ship from fly-half.

Jed Holloway and Jake Gordon have both been rewarded for their fine Super Rugby form while some members of the Waratahs were not considered for selection after bowing out of the finals last weekend.

Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Marika Koroibete, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Jack Maddocks, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Will Genia, 8 Caleb Timu, 7 David Pocock (c), 6 Adam Korczyk, 5 Rory Arnold, 4 Adam Coleman, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Folau Faingaa, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Tetera Faulkner, 17 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Harry Hockings, 21 Lukhan Tui, 22 Liam Wright, 23 Isi Naisarani, 24 Joe Powell, 27 Jed Holloway, 28 Jordan Petaia, 29 Sefa Naivalu, 30 Jake Gordon

Date: Friday, August 3
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Kick-off: 18:45 local (09:45 BST, 08:45 GMT)
Referee: TBC
Assistant referees: TBC