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James O'Connor confirmed to start in Bledisloe 1 as Wallabies make shock change at hooker

8th August, 2019
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8th August, 2019
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The Wallabies have named their side to face the All Blacks in this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup Test, with James O’Connor and Tolu Latu both surprise selections in the run-on side.

It emerged earlier this morning that O’Connor would make his first start for the Wallabies in nearly six years, but Latu’s place in the run-on side at hooker comes as something of a shock with Folau Fainga’a and Tatafu Polota-Nau both available for selection. Fainga’a, who started the Wallabies’ first two Tests of the year, will come from the bench, while Polota-Nau isn’t in the match-day 23.

O’Connor will wear the no.13 jersey with Tevita Kuridrani dropped from the side and Tom Banks coming into the squad as the bench utility.

Two other changes have been made to the XV; Allan Alaalatoa will join Latu in the front row for his first Test appearance of the year, partnering Brumbies teammate Scott Sio as the props. Nic White has exchanged place with Will Genia as the starting halfback, with the latter moving back to the bench.

The side is otherwise unchanged from the team which toppled the Pumas two weeks ago in Brisbane. Christian Lealiifano will once again start at flyhalf, with Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge and Kurtley Beale all keeping their places in the backline as well.

The back row of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, captain Michael Hooper and Isi Naisarani has remained the same as David Pocock continues his recovery from a calf injury, as has the locking pair of Izack Rodda and Rory Arnold.

There is a change to the bench forwards, with Adam Coleman named to start on the pine for what would be his first Wallabies appearance of the year after missing the first two Rugby Championship fixtures through injury.

The rest of the bench is as expected, with James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Luke Jones and Matt To’omua all retained as reserves.

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Wallabies team for Bledisloe 1

1. Scott Sio (56 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (13 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (32 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (19 Tests)
5. Rory Arnold (21 Tests)
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (13 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (93 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani (2 Tests)
9. Nic White (24 Tests)
10. Christian Lealiifano (20 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (21 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (27 Tests)
13. James O’Connor (45 Tests)
14. Reece Hodge (35 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (85 Tests)

Reserves
16. Folau Fainga’a (9 Tests)
17. James Slipper (88 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (13 Tests)
19. Adam Coleman (31 Tests)
20. Luke Jones (4 Tests)
21. Will Genia (102 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (44 Tests)
23. Tom Banks (4 Tests)

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