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.
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)
Melburnian
Roar Pro
See you didn't read my comment. AAMI park was sold out for Lions, England and Ireland. Melbourne and touring fans turned up for good matches. Could probably have sold out Ethiad (Marvel).
ScottD
Roar Guru
thanks.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
https://www.rugby.com.au/players/james-oconnor#The-Rugby-Championship And again
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_O'Connor_(rugby_union) I make no judgement on accuracy but why would it be wrong?
PeterK
Roar Guru
I am the first one who posted that, I got it from reading the article from the same journo who leaked the team early also reported that JoC was 13 on defence and switches to 12 on attack.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Well, more accurately the Perth rugby fans will turn up. History over the last few years tells us that Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne rugby fans maybe not. ????
ScottD
Roar Guru
Peter, I have noted the multiple comments that JoC is at 12 on attack but am not sure why that is so. Has Cheika stated this or are people just assuming that is going to be the case?
ScottD
Roar Guru
I hope so Oz or a lot of Roarers are in serious trouble......
ScottD
Roar Guru
yes, and he's definitely not 5'11''
PeterK
Roar Guru
1.8m is closer to 5'11" 5' 10.87"
ScottD
Roar Guru
I would have said he is just another extremely annoying front rower. Isn't being a thug and a grub and a boofhead and having no neck and close set piggy eyes a prerequisite of being in the front row?
ScottD
Roar Guru
Agreed. Why risk him unless 100%
ScottD
Roar Guru
I don't think he is 1.8m? That is +5'10" and he's always seemed shorter than that when I've spoken to him?
ScottD
Roar Guru
It wouldn't surprise me if JOC and SK swap positions at some point
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I defer to your detail Peter. I checked and he’s 1.8m and 98kg so big enough to play 13. He’s tough, got terrific hands and great feet and is a good defender. I am looking forward to seeing how he goes. I am liking how the panel is making small changes to check out people’s best positions and the best in the roles. Would like to see Coleman start in Auckland and some tinkering at 6 but I’m otherwise thinking we are nearing our potential (constrained by the coaching team).
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
O'Connor selection aside, the big thing between the two sides is that the All Blacks have selected Savea, Cane and Todd (on the bench). Three opensides versus our... Hooper!!! It shows how important winning the breakdown is to the All Blacks. All this stupid debate we have about Pooper and the World Champs have got 3 opensides in their team. We can still win but we need to execute perfectly and luck to go our way because they are gona monster us at the ruck.
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Pound for pound Savea is likely the strongest player in either the Wallabies or NZ. Random fact Will Genia benches more than Pocock - apparently back in the day 160+kg.
Corw
Roar Rookie
Agree. At least Faiinga doesn't do anything about it, unlike Latu. FF more seems to enjoy getting a rise, which I can tolerate.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
AAC. RONA.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Very true. And a point oft forgotten. We are making great gains here albeit 2-3 years too late.