Holmes gets nod for Wallabies

By Mark Stevens
09/06/2016

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Greg Holmes, along with former captain Dean Mumm, have both been named in the Australian match-day squad for Saturday’s opening Test against England in Brisbane.

Holmes, who will head for Sandy Park later this summer from the Super Rugby side Queensland Reds, has pipped Sekope Kepu for the starting tight-head spot, just his second run-on start under Michael Cheika after packing down against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Mumm (pictured below), meanwhile, will begin the game on the bench alongside James Horwill who has also been named in the 23, after cutting short his honeymoon to reunite with the Wallabies, paving the way for him to reignite his combination with former Reds team-mate Rob Simmons in the second-row.

The pair line-up in an Australian squad that includes three debutants - centre Samu Kerevi, lock Rory Arnold and winger Dane Haylett-Petty - as head coach Michael Cheika opts for bulk against an England side, who in March won the Grand Slam for the first time in 13 years.

And Cheika believes the blend of youth and experience will re-energise his team. He said: "We have a good mix of new blood and players who have been connected to the group for some time and the energy and enjoyment within the group has been excellent," he explained.

"The work ethic and application of every player in the squad shows just how much the Wallabies jersey means to each of them, and these 23 players know they represent the group when they run out on Saturday.”

Australia team to face England: Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (captain), Greg Holmes, Rory Arnold, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock.

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, James Horwill, Dean Mumm, Sean McMahon, Nick Frisby, Christian Lealiifano