Australia v British & Irish Lions, Brisbane, June 22
Wallabies starting side "leaked"
ESPN Staff
June 19, 2013
The Waratahs' Israel Folau celebrates a match-winning try, New South Wales v Stormers, Super Rugby, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, May 11, 2013
Israel Folau is set to making a starting debut, according to the leak © Getty Images
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The Wallabies team to play the first Test against the British & Irish Lions has been leaked a day ahead of the scheduled announcement.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Kurtley Beale will start on the bench for the Wallabies and Israel Folau will make his debut just five months after his first game for the New South Wales Waratahs.

Berrick Barnes will reportedly play at fullback, while Digby Ioane's speedy recovery from injury will see him start on the wing. Christian Lealiifano's inclusion, ahead of Pat McCabe according to the leak, indicates that the Wallabies will play a possession-based game with width and pace.

In the forwards, the Waratahs' Kane Douglas looks set to partner James Horwill, with Brumbies debutant Ben Mowen in the back row.

The leak comes five weeks after a similar shambles when coaches of four of the five Australian Super 15 sides told newspapers of their recommendations for the national side which had been collated into a likely Australia starting XV.

Wallabies (unconfirmed): Berrick Barnes; Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, Digby Ioane; James O'Connor, Will Genia, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen; Kane Douglas, James Horwill (captain); Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

© ESPN Australia / New Zealand

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