Rennie puts faith in youth while Slipper brings up a ton

November 05, 2020
1757
Ultimate Rugby

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named Lachlan Swinton and Tom Wright to debut in the fourth and final Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand at in Brisbane on Saturday night.

The Tri Nations Test will also serve as a major milestone for James Slipper, who will become just the 13th Wallaby to play 100 Tests for Australia when he runs out in the number one jersey in his home state. He’ll be joined in the front row by Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who starts for the third consecutive match at hooker with Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop.

Injury to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will see a new second row combination of Rob Simmons and Matt Philip at Suncorp Stadium, a venue the side has won three of their past four Tests against the All Blacks. 23-year-old Swinton will be joined by captain Michael Hooper and youngster Harry Wilson in the loose forwards.

Nic White will start at scrumhalf in all four Bledisloe clashes in 2020, partnered by Reece Hodge who will wear the number 10 jersey for just the second time in his Test career. An all-new midfield sees Queensland Reds duo Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia at inside and outside centre respectively.

Wright is set to become Wallaby number 939 when he runs on for debut, with his Brumbies teammate Tom Banks returning to fullback and Marika Koroibete finalising the back three. Hooker Folau Fainga’a returns to the match day squad as a replacement with Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell, who is set to follow in his father Mark’s footsteps with his first Test cap off the bench.

Ned Hanigan and Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright will provide cover to the remaining forwards. After making his debut last weekend, Tate McDermott will again be called upon to provide spark as the replacement scrumhalf with promising playmaker Noah Lolesio and the electric Filipo Daugunu rounding out the team.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “It’s going to be a really special night for James in front of his family and friends back at his home ground and I know the team will be doing everything they can to make sure it’s a memorable result.”

“Lachlan, Tom and Angus have been excellent over the past seven weeks and have earned their first jersey for Australia through hard work and good performances.

“As a whole group we were really disappointed after last weekend and we get a chance to show our character on Saturday in Brisbane."

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Saturday 7 November.

1. James Slipper (99 Tests)

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (6 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (38 Tests)

4. Rob Simmons (103 Tests)

5. Matt Philip (6 Tests)

6. Lachlan Swinton*

7. Michael Hooper (c) (102 Tests)

8. Harry Wilson (3 Tests)

9. Nic White (34 Tests)

10. Reece Hodge (42 Tests)