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Cheika excited by new-look Wallabies

Michael Cheika hopes his new-look Wallabies can continue to build on the performances of past sides after naming his team to face England.

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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has called on his new-look team to build on the foundations laid before them ahead of their three-Test series against England.

The first of the three Tests takes place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, with Cheika having named three debutants among his starting team.

Brumbies lock Rory Arnold, Reds centre Samu Kerevi and Force utility Sane Haylett-Petter comprise the new faces in the team, and Cheika hopes their entrance is the start of a successful transition from one generation to the next for the Wallabies.

Arnold, who stands at over two metres tall, will make for an imposing figure as he becomes the tallest Wallaby to ever pull on the Australia jersey on Saturday, while Kerevi will hope to form an exciting partnership in the centre alongside fellow Fijian-born player Tevita Kuridrani.

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"This team of 2016 has a great opportunity to build on the foundations in place," Cheika said after unveiling the team for the first Test.

"We have a good mix of new blood and players who have been connected to the group for some time and the energy and enjoyment within the group has been excellent.

"The work ethic and application of every player in the squad shows just how much the Wallabies jersey means to each of them, and these 23 players know they represent the group when they run out on Saturday."

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