The Wallabies have added Waratahs winger Rob Horne and Rebels flanker Sean McMahon to Sunday’s team to face England in Twickenham while lock Rob Simmons will play in his 50th Test for Australia.
Coach Michael Cheika’s two main moves ahead of Australia’s final Spring Tour fixture in Europe will see Horne replace the injured Tevita Kuridrani and McMahon join the back-row at the expense of Luke Jones.
An unlucky Joe Tomane failed to retain his spot in the side despite strong efforts in recent clashes against Wales and France.
“I could have brought Joe (Tomane) back because he’s done nothing wrong,” Cheika told the AAP.
“He’s done very, very well but I think this was just an opportunity to give Rob (Horne) a game. He’s played very well all season and I’m sure he’ll do a good job.
“He’s very motivated. He’s been on my hammer all trip so it’s his opportunity now. He can back it up.”
The 20-year-old McMahon is back in the side after being made to sit out a week to rest.
“I think he did well in the first couple of games and he would have learned a few valuable lessons,” Cheika said.
“He needed to have a breather because there’s so much emotion with a young guy on his first tour and all that.
“Give him a rest and let him come back and tear away for the last game.”
Cheika will use Adam Ashley-Cooper at outside centre while Horne will move to the wing in an attempt to recreate Kuridrani’s consistent form over the past few months.
25-year-old Simmons becomes the sixth Australian forward to hit the 50-Test milestone in 2014, joining James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Horwill and Wycliff Palu.
Cheika has again delayed announcing his bench and will finalise his backups ahead of the match.
Photo: Will Russell/Getty Images.
