Quade Cooper to start for Wallabies

Quade Cooper has been named to start at five-eighth for the Wallabies in a major selection shock for the Bledisloe Cup decider at Eden Park on Saturday.

Cooper takes the place of Bernard Foley and teams up with new starting halfback Nic White, who comes in for Nick Phipps after starring off the bench in last Saturday’s 27-19 win over the All Blacks in Sydney.

David Pocock has been left out of the starting side with Wycliff Palu named at No.8 while Will Skelton will replace Dean Mumm in the second-row. In another change, winger Henry Speight comes in for Drew Mitchell.

Lock Kane Douglas has been named on the bench for what will be his first appearance for the Wallabies since returning from club rugby in Ireland.

Australia haven’t won at Eden Park since 1986 and will be looking to break a 13-year Bledisloe Cup drought against the world champion All Blacks.

Wallabies (15-1): Israel Folau, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, Will Skelton, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio.

Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Matt Giteau, Kurtley Beale

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