Wallabies change four for Bledisloe II
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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has made four changes to the side for Sunday’s Bledisloe Cup Test.
Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and blindside flanker Ned Hanigan come straight into the starting side, with Queensland Reds duo Liam Wright and Jordan Petaia brought in as replacements. Sunday’s Test will be Paenga-Amosa’s first against New Zealand where he will pack down between 97-Test veteran James Slipper and his club teammate Taniela Tupou.
Matt Philip and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will get a chance to continue their combination in the second row with Hanigan joined by skipper Michael Hooper and last week’s debutant Harry Wilson as the loose forwards. The starting backline remains unchanged from the side who took to the field in last weekend’s thrilling draw in Wellington, with Nic White and James O’Connor to partner in the halves.
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Ever-reliable Matt To’omua will again combine in the midfield with the damaging Hunter Paisami, who was impressive in his first appearance at Test level. The back three sees last weekend’s try scorers Marika Koroibete and Filipo Daugunu on the wings and the elusive Tom Banks at fullback.
Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa will again be called upon as the front row finishers with the experienced Rob Simmons alongside Wright as the other forward replacements. Livewire Jake Gordon will again get another chance for minutes in his early career as the back-up scrumhalf with Petaia and the versatile Reece Hodge finalising the match day squad.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “We’ve got a group of 44-men who are all working hard and pushing for selection.”
“We've had massive support from back home and as a team we definitely feel that and it’s something we’ll draw on on Sunday afternoon.
“We know that New Zealand will step it up another level this weekend, we’re excited by the challenge ahead."
Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland on Sunday 18 October
1. James Slipper (97 Tests)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (4 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (20 Tests)
4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (22 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (4 Tests)
6. Ned Hanigan (20 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (100 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (1 Test)
9. Nic White (32 Tests)
10. James O’Connor (53 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (29 Tests)
12. Matt To’omua (53 Tests)
13. Hunter Paisami (1 Test)
14. Filipo Daugunu (1 Test)
15. Tom Banks (7 Tests)
Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese (10 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (64 Tests)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (36 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (101 Tests)
20. Liam Wright (2 Tests)
21. Jake Gordon (2 Tests)
22. Jordan Petaia (3 Tests)
23. Reece Hodge (40 Tests)
