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Reuters
Reuters
Sport

Simmons promoted for Wallabies' Bledisloe challenge

Rugby Union - Championship - Argentina Pumas v Australia Wallabies - Malvinas Argentinas stadium, Mendoza, Argentina - October 7, 2017 - Australia's head coach Michael Cheika throws a ball in the air before the match. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made one enforced change to his starting side to play the All Blacks in the third and final Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane on Saturday, promoting lock Rob Simmons from the bench to replace the injured Izack Rodda.

Rookie Rodda was ruled out of rest of the season this week to undergo shoulder surgery, so the experienced Simmons will partner Adam Coleman in the second row.

Hooker Stephen Moore, named on the bench in the team announced on Thursday, has been assured of a farewell to home fans at Lang Park as he winds down his valedictory season.

Prop Tetera Faulkner has been replaced by Tom Robertson in the reserves, with blindside flanker Ned Hanigan also coming back into the matchday 23 on the bench.

The Wallabies, who already trail 2-0, will bid to prevent the world champions from sweeping the series.

Team:

15-Israel Folau, 14-Marika Koroibete, 13-Tevita Kuridrani, 12-Kurtley Beale, 11-Reece Hodge, 10-Bernard Foley, 9-Will Genia, 8-Sean McMahon, 7-Michael Hooper (captain), 6-Jack Dempsey, 5-Adam Coleman, 4-Rob Simmons, 3-Sekope Kepu, 2-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1-Scott Sio

Replacements: 16-Stephen Moore, 17-Tom Robertson, 18-Allan Alaalatoa, 19-Lukhan Tui, 20-Ned Hanigan, 21-Nick Phipps, 22-Samu Kerevi, 23-Henry Speight

(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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