Under-fire Cheika picks Alaalatoa and Sio

Allan Alaalatoa and a fit-again Scott Sio have been named in the Wallabies’ side to face New Zealand in the second Test of the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday.

The All Blacks cruised to a 38-13 victory in Sydney last weekend to take a familiar grasp on the three-match series, prompting scrutiny to intensify on Michael Cheika.

Australia’s coach has responded by dropping props Tom Robertson and Sekope Kepu to the bench, where they have been joined by two newcomers in hooker Folau Faingaa and outside back Tom Banks, who could make their respective debuts in Auckland. Reserve hooker Tolu Latu has been axed from the matchday squad entirely.

Having earned his first senior appearance in the defeat at ANZ Stadium, Jack Maddocks will start on the right wing, as Dane Haylett-Petty moves to fullback to replace the injured Israel Folau. 

#BREAKING l Your #Wallabies team to face the @AllBlacks this Sat 25 Aug for the second #BledisloeCup Test.

LIVE from 5:35pm AEST on @FOXSportsAUS, @tensporttv, @rugbycomau radio & @MacquarieSport radio.

READ: https://t.co/jzNvpBxKwk#BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/4MI7VZOvZW

— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) August 23, 2018

Australia: Dane Haylett-Petty, Jack Maddocks, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper (captain), Lukhan Tui, Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Allan Alaalatoa, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio. 

Replacements: Folau Faingaa, Tom Robertson, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Tom Banks.

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