23 Jul 2015

Seven changes for Wallabies

6:29 pm on 23 July 2015

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has overhauled his team, making seven changes to the starting lineup to play Argentina, with Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper among the casualties.

Despite last week's last-gasp win over South Africa to open Australia's Rugby Championship campaign, Cheika has rung the changes as he continues to search for his best World Cup lineup.

David Pocock has been named ahead of Hooper for the openside flanker's role, with Hooper dropping to the bench.

David Pocock

David Pocock gets a start against the Pumas. Photo: AFP

Among the other changes there's a new halves combination in Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley.

Phipps takes over from the injured Will Genia while Foley comes in at first five, with Cooper dropping to the bench.

Utility back Kurtley Beale returns from injury to join the reserves.

Meanwhile, Wallabies winger Henry Speight has agreed a new three-year deal with Australian Rugby that will see him remain with the ACT Brumbies through to the end of 2018.

Speight will also join the Australian Sevens in 2016.

Australia: 15-Israel Folau, 14-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13-Tevita Kuridrani, 12-Matt Toomua, 11-Joe Tomane, 10-Bernard Foley, 9-Nick Phipps, 8-Ben McCalman, 7-David Pocock, 6-Scott Fardy, 5-Rob Simmons, 4-Will Skelton, 3-Greg Holmes, 2-Stephen Moore (captain), 1-James Slipper

Replacements: 16-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17-Scott Sio, 18-Sekope Kepu, 19-Dean Mumm, 20-Michael Hooper, 21-Nic White, 22-Quade Cooper, 23-Kurtley Beale