Curtis Rona set for Australia debut in Rugby Championship opener against All Blacks

Michael Cheika will hand rugby league convert Curtis Rona his Wallabies debut when Australia take on the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship opener in Sydney on Saturday.

Rona, who impressed at Western Force in his first full season of Super Rugby, will line up on the left wing after his provincial team-mate Dane Haylett-Petty failed to recover sufficiently from a bicep injury.

Cheika also welcomes back Kurtley Beale after nearly two years out through injury.

Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has picked Sonny Bill Williams for his first Test since being sent off in the Second Test against the Lions last month.

“It’s the biggest trophy we play for outside of the World Cup and it means a lot to the group – it’s part of who are we, and our legacy is about honouring, respecting and enhancing the jersey,” Hansen said. “We’ve held this trophy for a while, and no one wants to be part of giving it up.”