Three Debuts in Wallaby Team To Face Lions

The Qantas Wallabies have selected three players on debut in their side to face the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane on Saturday.

Prodigeous talent Israel Folau who previously played Rugby League and Aussie Rules has been selected on the wing, with Christian Leali’ifano in the centre and Ben Mowen starts on the blindside.

Folau only played his first game of Super Rugby for the NSW Waratahs in February folling his switch from Rugby League.  He is considered a bit of a wild card pick, but there no doubt about his ability to change a game.

Leali’ifano has been selected over the more experienced Pat McCabe with Wallaby coach Robbie Deans looking for more creative options in midfield.

Ben Mowen has been selected at blindside flanker partnering the experienced Michael Hooper selected at openside.

James O’Connor was named at flay half for the only the second time in a Wallaby jersey, with Kurtley Beale left on the bench.  Beale has only played once since he was admitted to rehab for punching two of his Melbourne Rebels team mates.

Lock James Horwill captains the side having come back from missing the entire 2012 season through injury.

The Qantas Wallabies team to face the British & Irish Lions:

15. Berrick Barnes (NSW Waratahs)
14. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
12. Christian Leali’ifano (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
10. James O’Connor (Melbourne Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
8. Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)
7. Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds, captain)
4. Kane Douglas (NSW Waratahs)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)

Replacements

16. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
17. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
18. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
19. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
20. Liam Gill (Queensland Reds
21. Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels)
22. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
23. Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels)