The Wallabies have made a whopping eight adjustments to their beginning XV for Thursday’s Bledisloe Cup opener towards the All Blacks in Melbourne.
Already underdogs, Australia has been badly hit by damage with Taniela Tupou (calf), Noah Lolesio and Hunter Paisami (each concussion) all dominated out.
However maybe the largest surprises are at halfback, the place Jake Gordon replaces Nic White, and openside flanker, the place Pete Samu is available in for Fraser McReight.
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Andrew Kellaway will begin at fullback rather than Reece Hodge, Lalakai Foketi is in for Paisami at inside centre and Bernard Foley will play his first Check in three years, changing Lolesio at five-eighth.
Jed Holloway switches from blindside flanker to lock for the unavailable Rory Arnold, with Rob Leota slotting in at No.6.
Dave Porecki has been most popular to Folau Fainga’a at hooker following the flat 24-8 Rugby Championship loss to the Springboks.
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“It is nice to have Bernard’s expertise and he brings loads of voice and keenness for the gold jersey,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie stated.
“New Zealand confirmed their class in a large win over Argentina final week and can come to Melbourne stuffed with confidence.
“We’re nicely conscious of the chance in entrance of us over the following fortnight and we’re extraordinarily motivated to profit from it.”
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WALLABIES (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Rob Leota, Matt Philip, Jed Holloway, Allan Alaalatoa, Dave Porecki, James Slipper (c)
Reservese: Folau Fainga’a, Scott Sio, Pone Fa’amausili, Darcy Swain, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Cane (c), Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Dane Coles, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Quinn Tupaea
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