What will Michael Cheika come up with? WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika will name his squad to play Ireland on Kick & Chase on Wednesday night, live on Fox Sports 501 from 7.30pm AEST. Cheika will announce the squad from Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and the crew will also capture player reaction from all four Super Rugby squads. But foxsports.com.au writers Sam Worthington and Christy Doran couldn’t wait and have donned their selectors’ hats to have a crack at their own squads that could take down the world’s No 2 side. The three Test series kicks off on June 9 in Brisbane before moving to Melbourne and Sydney. Ireland, Six Nations and Grand Slam champions, have already unveiled their full strength squad. NEW PODCAST! Irish great Jamie Heaslip and Wallabies legend Tim Horan join the show to preview the blockbuster June series and share some ripping yarns along the way Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by CLICKING HERE Reds hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa at training at Ballymore. Source: News Corp Australia HOOKER Worthington’s picks: Jordan Uelese, Damien Fitzpatrick, Brandon Paenga-Amosa Tatafu Polota-Nau’s absence has the potential to seriously bite the Wallabies in the bum against a superbly drilled Irish pack. Uelese’s injury has robbed him of much needed gametime and either Fitzpatrick or Anaru Rangi need to be in the squad to provide some experience — albeit not of the Test variety. Paenga-Amosa has come from the clouds and, improbably, may well be the starter on his home track for the first Test in Brisbane. Doran’s picks: Jordan Uelese, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Damien Fitzpatrick Uelese hasn’t played a lot of minutes, but that didn’t stop Cheika from picking him last year and once again he’ll be included. Paenga-Amosa has come from nowhere and under Brad Thorn’s tutelage is developing into a hardworking operator. Fitzpatrick’s experience and level head can’t be underestimated and he’ll keep the younger men honest. LIVE Stream the 2018 World Rugby Under-20 Championship on FOX SPORTS. SIGN UP NOW > Allan Alaalatoa of the Wallabies in action at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Source: Getty Images PROPS Worthington’s picks: Scott Sio, Sekope Kepu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Tom Robertson No James Slipper means Australia is light on at loosehead, and gets Robertson into this squad. Conversely, Cheika’s cupboard is now stacked on the tighthead side, with Tupou putting real heat on Kepu and Alaalatoa for a starting jumper. Doran’s picks: Scott Sio, Tom Robertson, Sekope Kepu, Taniela Tupou, Allan Alaalatoa There’s a lot of depth at tighthead, but it’s slightly thin on the opposite side of the scrum. Sio will likely start and partner Kepu, but look for Tupou to feature a lot throughout the series. The big question will be whether Alaalatoa is considered at loosehead. Lukhan Tui poses for a portrait at Sport Wales in Cardiff. Source: Getty Images LOCKS Worthington’s picks: Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Tui, Matt Philip, Rory Arnold Coleman and Rodda look to be nailed on starters and Australia now has some decent depth in the second row. On form Kane Douglas would be here but he’s heading overseas soon and it is time to move on from Rob Simmons. Doran’s picks: Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Kane Douglas, Rory Arnold, Lukhan Tui Douglas’ defence and workrate is a must in a series that the Wallabies need to do well in. Expect Tui to feature prominently and it wouldn’t surprise if he’s considered at blindside flanker either. Pete Samu of the Crusaders leaves the field at AMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images LOOSE FORWARDS Worthington’s picks: Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Pete Samu, Caleb Timu, Scott Higginbotham, Lopeti Timani Samu’s signing with the Brumbies is a godsend for Cheika and, barring any shenanigans from his current employers New Zealand Rugby, he should be rushed straight into the match day squad. Sean McMahon’s unavailability bites hard and injuries to Jack Dempsey and Ned Hanigan mean Timani may get a lifeline despite his Super Rugby form continuing to underwhelm. It is unlikely Higginbotham gets another go under Cheika but he has shown a bit of aggression in limited gametime at the Reds and is better than alternative options. Doran’s picks: Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Caleb Timu, Pete Samu, Scott Higginbotham Given the lack of depth at blindside flanker and at the back of the scrum, Higginbotham fits the bill. I doubt Cheika will go down that path again, but the Reds captain’s experience and lineout ability would be welcomed. Michael Ruru of the Rebels in action at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Source: Getty Images HALFBACKS Worthington’s picks: Will Genia, Michael Ruru, Jake Gordon It’s toss a coin stuff behind the outstanding Genia, who may again be asked to play 80 minutes which isn’t ideal in the frantic modern game. Behind him Rebels teammate Ruru is combative and won’t be overawed by the occasion while Gordon provides a potential running option off the bench. Doran’s picks: Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Michael Ruru You can lock in Genia and Phipps, but the third halfback position remains open. If Tate McDermott wasn’t playing for the Junior Wallabies, I’d bring him into the squad because he’s a man who has X factor written all over him. But with the Reds squad member in France, Ruru gets in. He is aggressive and won’t take a backwards step. FIVE-EIGHTHS Worthington’s picks: Bernard Foley The fact there is only one name on this list is a sad indictment of Australia’s depth in rugby’s most important position. It’s Foley and then daylight with Beale and Hodge providing cover. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Cheika draft Hamish Stewart into his camp as a learning experience. Doran’s picks: Bernard Foley, Hamish Stewart If anything happens to Foley between now and the World Cup, Cheika’s entire gameplan could go up in smoke. Stewart is the best young playmaker in Australia. Now is the time to get him into the group. Samu Kerevi of the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Source: AAP CENTRES Worthington’s picks: Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Curtis Rona Beale is a lock at 12 but there are options aplenty outside him. Kerevi’s defensive limitations and Kuridrani’s underwhelming form mean I’d be tempted to go with Hodge. He’s got some Stirling Mortlock about him and 13 appeals as his best longterm position. Doran’s picks: Kurtley Beale, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi Beale is a certainty at inside centre, but outside centre remains open. Kerevi is the frontrunner with Hodge likely to feature on the wing. OUTSIDE BACKS Worthington’s picks: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Marika Koroibete, Sefa Naivalu, Jack Maddocks, Henry Speight Again, plenty of options here for Cheika, who has confirmed Folau will be a fullback only under his watch. Haylett-Petty will probably get a run on the wing because of his all around game with the expert finisher Koroibete also a likely starter after his hat trick last weekend. Doran’s picks: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Tom Banks, Marika Koroibete, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Izaia Perese, Jack Maddocks Folau will start at fullback. One of Naiyaravoro or Koroibete will start on the left wing, with the latter doing his chances no harm by scoring a hat trick against the Sunwolves on Friday. Hodge’s defence, finishing ability and kicking game should see him secure the other wing spot. Haylett-Petty is the safe option for the No 23 jersey, but I’d like to see Banks given a run off the bench. His speed is exciting.<doc-sep>Last updated on .From the section Irish Rugby Full-back Jack Maddocks of Melbourne Rebels is one of five uncapped players in the Australia squad Australia coach Michael Cheika has named five uncapped players in a 32-man squad for the three-Test series against Grand-Slam winning Ireland in June. Brumbies duo Folau Fainga'a and Tom Banks, Rebels full-back Jack Maddocks and Reds forwards Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu are all included. Melbourne-born loose forward Pete Samu could be a late addition if released from his New Zealand Rugby contract. "At this point we can't select him but there is a spot for him," Cheika said. Samu, 26, plays for Super Rugby champions Canterbury Crusaders. "At this point, it's in others' hands," Cheika added. "I'm not really involved in that part of it but I'm hoping there will be some more clarity on that on Thursday." In Samu's absence, Timu is in line for a maiden Test appearance, slotting into a back row alongside David Pocock and captain Michael Hooper. Pete Samu is awaiting his release from NZ Rugby With former captain Stephen Moore retired and Tatafu Polota-Nau rested, the Wallabies will field a rookie hooker, with Paenga-Amosa and Fainga'a seeking Test debuts behind the twice-capped Jordan Uelese. Blindside flanker Ned Hanigan has been named but will miss at least the first Test as he recovers from a knee injury. Cheika was cagey about his favoured back-row combination and which position veteran ball-poacher Pocock will play. The Australia coach added: "Whether he wears seven, six or eight, he will have his standard floating role so he can do exactly what he does best - he's always straight into his strong points." Pocock's speedy Brumbies team-mate Banks has a chance to make his Test debut in the back three, along with Maddocks. With Super Rugby scheduled this weekend, the Wallabies will have less than a week to prepare for the 9 June opener in Brisbane against the Six Nations champions, who are riding a 12-match winning streak and bidding for their first Test and series victory in Australia since 1979. The Canberra-based Brumbies have refused a request from Cheika and Rugby Australia to rest three of their Wallabies - Pocock, and props Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio - from Sunday's home match against the Sunwolves. "Common sense will tell you that a six-day preparation for a Test match is not ideal," Cheika said. "I'm hoping we can work it out together." Meanwhile, Rebels scrum-half Will Genia has been named in the squad despite missing a month of Super Rugby with a knee injury. Australia squad Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Folau Fainga'a, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tom Robertson, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Izack Rodda, Caleb Timu, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese. Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Jack Maddocks, Sefanaia Naivalu, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Curtis Rona.<doc-sep>
BRUMBIES bolters Folau Fainga’a and Tom Banks are the surprise men in Michael Cheika’s 32 man Wallabies squad to tackle world No 2 Ireland in June. The duo are among five uncapped players in the squad along with Rebels outside back Jack Maddocks and Reds forwards Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu. Paenga-Amosa’s inclusion had been forecast after a strong maiden Super Rugby season under coach Brad Thorn but Fainga’a — who is currently suspended for a headbutt — has earned the third hooker’s spot ahead of Anaru Rangi, Damien Fitzpatrick and Tolu Latu. Rebels rake Jordan Uelese is the other hooker included in a Test trio severely lacking experience following Stephen Moore’s retirement and the decision not to recall Tatafu Polota-Nau from England. It will be a daunting set piece challenge against the superbly drilled Grand Slam and Six Nations champions, led by grizzled 35-year-old hooker Rory Best. “Folau’s really done well,” Cheika said of the 23-year-old. “He’s got a good bit of swagger, I like his attitude and I think he’ll take an opportunity with both hands. “It’s going to be pretty exciting to see two new lads (Fainga’a and Paenga-Amosa) and one (Uelese) who’s only got a couple of games under his belt going at it (competing to start in the first Test on June 9). NEW PODCAST! Irish great Jamie Heaslip and Wallabies legend Tim Horan join the show to preview the blockbuster June series and share some ripping yarns along the way Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by CLICKING HERE READ MORE: Winners and losers from Wallabies squad READ MORE: Kiwis force Wallabies to sweat on Samu READ MORE: Super standoff: Brumbies not backing down on resting star trio “They’ve all performed really well in Super Rugby. “Jordan’s had a bit of an injury plagued season but has got runs on the board with us and I’ve seen Brandon go up against (Springboks star) Malcolm Marx and perform right at the level.” Brumbies outside back Banks, meanwhile, has leapfrogged the likes of Henry Speight, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Cam Clark and Izaia Perese to earn a squad spot. He starred in the win over the Bulls from fullback in Pretoria last weekend and brings genuine pace and a well rounded skill set to combat Ireland’s vaunted kicking game. “Tom showed a little bit last year, but I think he’s been much more consistent this year,” Cheika said of the 23-year-old. “He’s got some genuine attacking ability, genuine pace and he backs himself and I like that about him. “That’s what won him the spot in the team.” Melbourne-born Crusaders loose forward Pete Samu — who has signed with the Brumbies for the 2019 and 2020 seasons — was not included. LIVE stream the Australia v Ireland June series on FOX SPORTS. SIGN UP NOW! Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby continue to hold talks regarding Samu’s availability and Cheika remains hopeful he will be available for the Ireland series. In the meantime, Reds duo Timu and Lukhan Tui are the likely candidates to join captain Michael Hooper and David Pocock in the starting backrow. Ned Hanigan will not be available for the first Test as he recovers from injury but is expected to be cleared for the second game in Melbourne. Cheika said the number on Pocock’s back would be largely irrelevant. “Whether he wears 7, 6 or 8 he will play his standard floating role around the field, so he can do exactly what he does best,” Cheika said. “I know he hasn’t played as much footy as he would have liked this year, but as soon as he gets back in there he’s always straight onto his strong points around the defensive tackle contest, the defensive ruck, his set piece work, his work around the maul and the fringes of the maul. “He’s got such a good skill set around that stuff, it doesn’t matter what number he’s playing. “He’ll be using those skills regardless.” There are 10 Waratahs, eight Rebels, eight Brumbies and six Reds in the squad. Ireland have already unveiled their full strength squad.