Beale on extended bench, Toomua returns

Matt Toomua gets his chance in the Wallabies’ problem inside centre position against Ireland while Kurtley Beale waits to learn whether he’ll also play.

Coming off the 29-26 loss to France, coach Michael Cheika kept his promise to freshen up his side for the penultimate spring tour match.

He handed Fiji-born winger Henry Speight his Test debut at Lansdowne Road on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT) in one of four changes to the starting side.

Toomua and Luke Jones also earn their first Test appearances of the tour while Sam Carter returns in the second row in place of James Horwill.

Veteran playmakers Quade Cooper and Will Genia were again named on the bench, with Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps retaining their starting spots.

Like Beale, Cooper and Genia will be hoping to survive the axe when Cheika cuts three reserves named on an 11-man bench.

Ewen McKenzie’s first choice, Toomua replaces Brumbies teammate Christian Leali’ifano, who has failed to impress at inside centre.

Jones, 23, replaces his young Melbourne Rebels teammate Sean McMahon at blindside flanker in just his second Test appearance.

Beale has not played for Australia since the text message scandal but was controversially recalled to the squad by Cheika last week and is likely to also come into the reckoning at inside centre on tour after impressing there for Cheika’s champion Waratahs.

Brumbies winger Speight played in the tour-opening win over the Barbarians but his Test debut will officially end a frustrating four-year wait to become eligible to play for Australia.

He gets his chance in place of Joe Tomane, who’s been rested despite being one of the Wallabies’ best in recent weeks.

“Henry has done all the right things to earn his selection, has had an outstanding Super Rugby season and deserves his opportunity to play for Australia,” Cheika said.

“He is very passionate about representing Australia and we’re all looking forward to seeing him bring his best attributes to our game.”

“All our changes will bring a new energy into the team and I know everyone is looking forward to the opportunities our match against Ireland will bring,” Cheika said.

Wallabies: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Henry Speight, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Ben McCalman, Michael Hooper (capt), Luke Jones, Rob Simmons, Sam Carter, Sekope Kepu, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper. Res: James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale (three to be omitted).

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