The Wallabies star performer, Israel Folau, has been moved to the left wing for the exhibition game and will not being going on tour next month. The top try scorer for his country in 2017, Folau is staying at home to take a break.
The 28-year-old has clocked up 62 Test appearances since his debut in 2013 and has scored in eight out of the 10 Test matches Australia have had this year. He will take a break after the game against the Baa-Baas.
“It’s a good time for him to have some time away from the spotlight, just sit down and relax. He doesn’t get a lot of chance to do that, he’s been under the microscope every single day since he’s come to rugby,” said Wallaby head coach, Michael Cheika.
“I think it’ll be a chance for him to get out of that for a moment, rest his body, rest his mind, take a well-earned breather and then get back into it from day one of Super Rugby next year. I do think that will make him a better player and I think it’ll make us a better team.
“I’ve known him since he’s come into rugby at the very start in 2013 and he has not had a minute out of the spotlight for one reason or another. He’s still a young man and it’s time to have some time on his own and get away from it.”
Folau will miss the Test matches with England, Wales, Scotland and Japan this autumn, but will return in 2018 seeking to add to the his 32 international tries.
Former Wasps utility back Kurtley Beale is another candidate for the full back berth, but he, too, is given a break against the Baa-Baas. His place at inside centre has gone to the uncapped, former Gloucester centre Billy Meakes.
Rory Arnold has been ruled out of the side and his absence allows Kane Douglas to step into the starting XV and for teenager Liam Wright to come onto the bench. There is also a start for Queensland Reds’ New Zealand-born outside half Duncan Paia’aua.
His battle against Reds team mate Quade Cooper is being viewed as a final trial for both of them to see who makes the tour squad next month.
Australia
15. Karmichael Hunt (Queensland Reds)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
13. Samu Kerevi (Queensland Reds)
12. Billy Meakes (Western Force)
11. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
10. Duncan Paia’aua (Queensland Reds)
9. Nick Phipps (NSW Waratahs, captain)
1. Tom Robertson (NSW Waratahs)
2. Jordan Uelese (Melbourne Rebels)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)
4. Kane Douglas (Queensland Reds)
5. Lukhan Tui (Queensland Reds)
6. Ned Hanigan (NSW Waratahs)
7. Jack Dempsey (NSW Waratahs)
8. Lopeti Timani (Melbourne Rebels)
Replacements
16. Stephen Moore (Queensland Reds)
17. Tetera Faulkner (Melbourne Rebels)
18. Jermaine Ainsley (Melbourne Rebels)
19. Liam Wright (Queensland Reds)
20. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
21. Joe Powell (Brumbies)
22. Curtis Rona (Western Force)
23. Izaia Perese (Queensland Reds)
Barbarians
15. Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs / Samoa)
14.Taqele Naiyaravoro (NSW Waratahs / Australia)
13. Tom Banks (Brumbies)
12. George Mola (Blues / New Zealand)
11. Eto Nabuli (Queensland Reds / Australia)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds / Australia)
9. Agustine Pulu (Blues / New Zealand)
1. Pakahou Hall (Western Force / Australia)
2. Andrew Ready (Queensland Reds)
3. Taniela Tupou (Queensland Reds)
4. Luke Jones (Bordeaux-Begles / Australia)
5. Sam Carter (Brumbies / Australia)
6. Isi Naisarani (Western Force)
7. Matt Hodgson (Western Force / Australia)
8. Wycliff Palu (Toyota Verblitz / Australia)
Replacements
16. Anaru Rangi (Western Force)
17. Ben Alexander (Brumbies / Australia)
18. Salesi Manu (Bond)
19. Matt Philip (Western Force)
20. Kane Koteka (Western Force)
21. Theo Strang (Sydney University)
22. Sam Green (Toyota Verblitz)
23. Andrew Kellaway (NSW Waratahs)
