Australia set to launch Michael Cheika's reign against Barbarians
Last Updated: 01/11/14 11:50am
Australia will aim to combine physicality with creativity when they launch Michael Cheika’s reign as coach against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday.
Cheika presides over his first match since replacing Ewen McKenzie, who resigned two weeks ago in the wake of the off-field turmoil which engulfed the squad at the end of the Rugby Championship.
People who win the collision quite often go on to win the game, so we've tried to focus on that.
Matt Toomua
Centre Matt Toomua says Cheika's gameplan will allow the backs to play instinctively, whilst embracing the physical demands of the game.
Successful
"The Australian way in the past, when Australian teams have been successful, has been to be creative and smart," Toomua said.
"You think back to the Stephen Larkhams and the George Gregans and guys like them who went before. It's something we'd love to bring back.
"Obviously there's a long way to go before then, but that's the end result we'd like to get to. Since I've been with the Wallabies we've been trying to play with creativity. Maybe we haven't done that, I don't know.
"Behind the scenes we've always tried to and had some good ideas, but it's another thing implementing those ideas. Michael has also spoken about us being physical. It's a confrontation, a contact sport, so you have to be physical.
"People who win the collision quite often go on to win the game, so we've tried to focus on that. Cheika has been vocal about finding that identity of how we play. It will soon become clear."
Turmoil
The Wallabies arrive after weeks of turmoil at home, caused by Kurtley Beale sending an obscene text message to former team business manager Di Patston, who subsequently resigned.
Beale was fined £24,640 by an Australian Rugby Union disciplinary hearing and the Wallabies have since been forced to reject accusations of misogyny in the camp.
We're rugby players, that's what we want to do. We haven't dwelt on things too much because there's been a lot to learn.
Kurtley Beale
Beale could yet be added to the squad, but he will be absent against the Barbarians with the playmaking duties falling on reunited half-backs Will Genia and Quade Cooper.
"There has been a lot going on, so it's nice to come here and play some rugby," said Toomua, who returns from the concussion sustained against Argentina on October 4.
"We're rugby players and that's what we want to do. We haven't dwelt on things too much because there's been a lot to learn."
Barbarians: 15 Tim Nanai Williams, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Tomas Cubellil; 1 Matt Stevens, 2 James Parsons, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 4 Dominic Bird, 5 Alastair Kellock, 6 Adam Thomson, 7 Matt Todd, 8 Steven Luatua.
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Thomas Du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Heinrich Brussow, 20 Matias Alemanno, 21 Sarel Pretorius, 22 Joaquin Tuculet, 23 Marnitz Boshoff.
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia; 1 Benn Robinson, 2 Saia Fainga'a, 3 Ben Alexander, 4 Sam Carter, 5 James Horwill, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Matt Hodgson (capt), 8 Ben McCalman.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 James Slipper, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Sean McMahon, 21 Nic White, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Christian Leali'ifano, 24 Joe Tomane - one player to be omitted.
Watch Australia v The Barbarians live on Sky Sports 2 with coverage from 2.30pm on Saturday.