Toomua starts for Cheika's Choice team in Bledisloe trial victory
Matt Toomua made a surprise appearance and Will Genia produced a smart return in the Bledisloe Cup trial at Sydney's Leichhardt Oval on Friday night.
Toomua, who on Wednesday signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Australia and the Melbourne Rebels, started at five-eighth in the Cheika's Choice team chosen by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, in their 57-12 win over an Australian Super selection.
Toomua kicked three conversions before coming off in the 52nd minute, the same time as Cheika's captain David Pocock left the field.
Genia came on at half-time for his first game since breaking an arm in the second Test against Ireland in mid-June.
He played most of the second half, setting up a try for Jordan Petaia with a neat crossfield kick.
Cheika's team scored nine tries to two in front of a crowd of 9373, who had free admission.
As expected, utility back Reece Hodge lined up in the outside centre spot.
Among the most impressive players were two uncapped men, fullback Tom Banks and back-rower Isi Naisarani.
Banks had an especially good first half, scoring a try and pulling off two try-saving tackles.
The outside backs scored all three of the Choice's first-half tries, with Banks and wingers Jack Maddocks and Marika Koroibete each crossing once .
The forwards bagged five of the six second half tries with Caleb Timu crossing twice.
The trial also marked the return to rugby of Wallabies prop James Slipper, who put in a solid shift in his first hit-out since completing a two-month ban for violating Rugby Australia's illicit drugs policy.
AAP