RugbyU: Australia Name Pocock At Blindside For Wales Clash

CARDIFF, United Kingdom, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 03rd Nov, 2016 ) - David Pocock will make his first start at blindside flanker when Australia face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday at the start of a gruelling six-match autumn tour.

With Dean Mumm out because of a one-week suspension, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has opted to shift Pocock into the number six jersey for the first time in his 61-Test career. It will be the tireless flanker's first Test start since breaking his hand in the 36-20 win over Argentina on September 17.

Tevita Kuridrani joins Pocock as the only other change to the starting XV with the Brumbies centre earning the number 13 jersey in the absence of Samu Kerevi. Kuridrani will partner Reece Hodge in the centres, as the sixth different midfield partnership for the Wallabies in 2016.

Uncapped Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu was named on the replacements bench, hoping to become the Wallabies' 12th debutant of 2016.

James Slipper and Scott Fardy are the other new inclusions on the bench, with the Queensland Reds prop recalled for his first Test since October 1.

After the Cardiff clash Australia face Tests against Scotland, France, Ireland and England, plus a midweek match with the French Barbarians. The Wallabies will be aiming for a second Grand Slam over the Home Nations, their previous success coming back in 1984.

Australia (15-1) Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Reece Hodge, Henry Speight; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Lopeti Timani, Michael Hooper, David Pocock; Adam Coleman, Rory Arnold; Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio Replacements: Tolu Latu, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Nick Frisby, Quade Cooper, Sefa Naivalu