Wallabies call on Genia

Scrumhalf Will Genia is set to start in his first match since January when Australia face the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday.

Genia, who plays for Top 14 side Stade Français, will run on seven months after undergoing surgery earlier this year. The 28-year-old partners flyhalf Bernard Foley, who pipped Quade Cooper for a starting spot.

Israel Folau continues at fullback, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Dane Haylett-Petty are the starting wings, and Matt Giteau joins Tevita Kuridrani in the centres.

Surprisingly, coach Michael Cheika has selected Ben McCalman at blindside flank and relegated Scott Fardy to the bench. No 8 David Pocock and opensider Michael Hooper compete the back row.

In the tight five, Rob Simmons and Kane Douglas are the locks and Sekope Kepu and Scott Sio the props, with captain Stephen Moore retained at hooker.

Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa was named on the bench and could become the sixth Australian debutant in 2016 if he is used.

Wallabies – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Dane Haylett-Petty, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ben McCalman, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (c), 1 Scott Sio. 
Subs: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Scott Fardy, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Rob Horne.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

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