The former Wallabies captain is Australia’s most capped test hooker with 129 appearances in gold, and is Australia’s most capped Super Rugby player of all time.
He leads an experienced lineup boasting more than 380 test caps and 1,100 Super Rugby caps between them.
The bulk of experience exists in the pack, with towering locks Mark Chisholm (58 tests), Justin Harrison (34 tests), and Dean Mumm (57 test), who have each represented Australia at different Rugby World Cups. The back row options provide a wealth of experience also, with former Wallabies Stephen Hoiles (16 tests), Radike Samo (23 tests) and Dubbo native Beau Robinson (1 test) joined by Australian Sevens and NSW Waratahs player Patrick McCutcheon.
There will be plenty of chat on the field, with the four experienced scrum halves in this Classic Wallabies squad. Wallabies Sam Cordingley (16 tests) and Sam Payne (7 tests) are joined by Brumbies halves Patrick Phibbs (73 caps, 2005-11) and De Wet Roos (10 caps, 2017). Cordingley, Phibbs and Roos all played for the Classic Wallabies on their recent tour to Fiji.
The rest of the backline also provides plenty of experience and chat to boot, with veteran NSW Waratahs inside centre Tom Carter (76 caps) earning his first Classic Wallabies cap alongside Wallabies Morgan Turinui (20 tests), Mark Gerrard (23 tests), Orange local James Grant (5 tests) and Australia Sevens and Brumbies squad member Tim Le Nevez.
Joining Moore in the front row is the Central West Rugby Union’s very own Matt Tink. Tinky’s selection could be viewed as a move to destabilise the Central West team’s preparations in the critical mind games that occur in the week leading up to any major clash. Or it could be viewed as recognition of a fellow that has contributed much to Australian rugby in his career so far, including the Classic Wallabies in their recent visit to Tokyo where he assisted in delivering coaching clinics to hundreds of Japanese junior rugby players. It’s most likely mind games though.
There are a few selections still to be confirmed and announced. The Classic Wallabies and Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) are launching a joint initiative, the Classic Wallabies Mentorship Program. This will see a handful up and coming players join the Classic Wallabies squad for this match to unite these players with the past champions of the game, so that they can learn from their experience and get an insight into different rugby generations.
The Classic Wallabies’ off-field lineup is just as experienced as the on-field one. Gary Pearse (9 tests) has been appointed Head Coach, with assistant coaches James Holbeck (7 tests) and NSW Waratahs attack & backs coach Chris Malone.
The event provides both teams a valuable opportunity to reunite with former teammates, and the Classic Wallabies are no exception. Despite leaving their boots at home, a host of other former Wallabies will be at the event to support the match, meet fans and attend the post-match fundraising event: Yenda Yarns Live at the Hotel Canobolas. These include 1991 Rugby World Cup winner Marty Roebuck, along with David Lyons, Huia Edmonds, Ken Wright, Tony Dempsey and a number of others.
Tickets for the match are still available. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets online ahead of the match, to enjoy a $5 discount per ticket and avoid queues at the gate. Kids 15 and under are FREE with a paying adult.
Buy tickets online and save.
Corporate hospitality is also available at the match in The Rugby Club VIP Bar, which includes catering. Check out all the package details and buy tickets ahead of the match here, as these are not available for purchase on the day.
For the best opportunity to meet the entire Classic Wallabies squad and hear some amazing stories, you can buy tickets to the post match fundraising event: Yenda Yarns LIVE, hosted by Fox Sports’ Sean Maloney at Hotel Canobolas from 7pm on Saturday night. Tickets MUST be pre-purchased.
Confirmed squad (in alphabetical order):
Tom Carter
Mark Chisholm
Sam Cordingley
Mark Gerrard
James Grant
Justin Harrison
Stephen Hoiles
Tim Le Nevez
Patrick McCutcheon
Stephen Moore (C)
Dean Mumm
Patrick Phibbs
Sam Payne
Beau Robinson
DeWet Roos
Radike Samo
Matt Tink
Morgan Turinui
More players to be announced.
Coaches
Gary Pearse (Head Coach)
James Holbeck (Assistant Coach)
Chris Malone (Assistant Coach)
Match details
Classic Wallabies vs Central West Barbarians
Saturday November 17, Endeavour Oval, Orange
Kick off: 4:00pm
Match Ticket Prices
Adults $15.00
Concession $10.00
Junior 15 and under Free with a paying adult
*Booking fees apply
