AUSTRALIA will hand former NRL winger Eto Nabuli a Test debut against Scotland this weekend as the Wallabies make one change to the XV that beat Fiji.
Cross-code convert Nabuli comes in for Henry Speight, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury after scoring two tries in last Saturday’s 37-14 win over the Fijians in Melbourne.
Regarding Fiji-born Nabuli, 28, Australia coach Michael Cheika said: “He’s been very physical and been working hard so I thought it was a good opportunity to give him a reward. I think he’s had that little bit more edge during the two weeks we’ve been together.
“He’s really knuckled down on his knowledge – he’s been very enthusiastic as well, some big strong running and I think he’s merited the opportunity.
“Also throughout the season, I think his improvement from last year to this year has been excellent and I suppose that’s a good form guide to when someone’s improving.”
Nabuli, who swapped codes to join the Queensland Reds last year, becomes the fifth Wallabies debutant this month after Ned Hanigan, Richard Hardwick, Karmichael Hunt and Joe Powell all made their international bows at the weekend.
Lock Hanigan and centre Hunt – another former rugby league player – have retained their place in Australia’s starting line-up as Cheika keeps changes to a minimum for the Allianz Stadium showdown with Scotland.
Meanwhile, Owen Farrell has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions match against Maori All Blacks tomorrow with a quad strain, the team has announced. Wales fly-half Dan Biggar will replace him on the bench.
O’Mahony’s status as captain could prove something of a statement of pecking order ahead of the first Test against the All Blacks on June 24, with Warburton racing against time to be fully fit for New Zealand.
“Peter is a proven captain with Munster who never takes a backward step and we believe that those leadership qualities will serve us well on Saturday against a quality and determined Maori All Blacks team,” said Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
“At this stage of the tour it is important to build on the foundations that have been laid in the last few weeks.”
Davies suffered a head knock in the 12-3 win over the Crusaders on Saturday, and is now fit to return as he chases the Lions’ 13 shirt for the first Test at Auckland’s Eden Park.
The Lions have named the shell of a Test XV, with Leigh Halfpenny, Anthony Watson and George North certainly appearing the first-choice back-three combination.
The front row of Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Tadhg Furlong is in pole position for Test selection, while Maro Itoje starts at lock alongside George Kruis.
The Lions suffered their second defeat of the tour on Tuesday, 23-22 defeat against the Highlanders in Dunedin, and are now itching to hit back against the potent Maori.
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