Taniela Tupou has earnt a recall to Australia’s starting XV for the side’s crucial Tri Nations clash with Los Pumas this Saturday.
After playing a starring impact role off the bench in the Wallabies’ win over New Zealand, Tupou is one of three inclusions in the run-on team, alongside fellow prop Scott Sio and blindside flanker Ned Hanigan, while there are a further two changes on the bench. Allan Alaalatoa has moved to the reserves for Tupou.
After missing the Bledisloe 4 victory two weeks ago, Sio replaces his Brumbies teammate James Slipper after the veteran dislocated his elbow in his 100th Test, Dave Rennie resisting the temptation to give young tighthead Angus Bell a first start in Wallaby gold after his strong debut off the bench.
Hanigan has earnt a recall to the XV in place of the suspended Lachie Swinton, and provides the lone lock cover, with Rennie bringing Rob Valetini onto the bench for his second outing of the year as one of two back-row options amongst the reserves. Liam Wright, who played in the win in Brisbane, is the other.
The other change to the substitutes comes at scrumhalf, where Jake Gordon replaces Tate McDermott as Nic White’s backup.
The rest of the side is unchanged from the one which defeated the All Blacks in Brisbane. With James O’Connor still out with injury, Reece Hodge starts at flyhalf for the second game in a row, with Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia in midfield and Tom Wright and Marika Koroibete on the wings. Tom Banks is at fullback and Nic White at scrumhalf.
In the forwards, Brandon Paenga-Amosa is in the front row in between Tupou and Sio, with Rob Simmons lining up next to Matt Philip at lock once again. Captain Michael Hooper and number eight Harry Wilson complete the pack.
1. Scott Sio
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Rob Simmons
5. Matt Philip
6. Ned Hanigan
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Harry Wilson
9 . Nic White
10. Reece Hodge
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Jordan Petaia
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
Bench
16. Folau Fainga’a
17. Angus Bell
18. Allan Alaalatoa
19. Rob Valetini
20. Liam Wright
21. Jake Gordon
22. Noah Lolesio
23. Filipo Daugunu
charly_777
Roar Rookie
I don't agree with unfair play, whoever does it! Today, the only world-class kicker that Argentina has that is Nicolas Sanches, who was punched in the leg by Tupou when the game was stopped! That is foul play since that blow paralyzed his leg for a while! Fair play now
blerp
Roar Rookie
Wallabies fans really are ridiculous.
mailman
Guest
Yes Olly, the Pumas forwards aren't the behemoths that some people seem to think they are- both the Wallaby and Puma's forwards are (positional comparisons) fairly similar in weight (except for our hulk, Thor). Strength and physicality are obviously not only dependent on someone's bulk- so we will see just how fit (strength) and how much (controlled) intensity (physicality) the Wallabies can bring to the party- as the Pumas are visibly (look like a team of gym junkies) and demonstrably (brought the fire for the full 80mins against the ABs) fit as hell and their intensity is never in doubt when their head is in the game. As far as the debate over picking Hanigan vs Wright or Hanigan vs anyone else who's seen a game of rugby before, I'm also no Hanigan fan but have seen some improvement and Rennie's game plan needs Hanigan more than Wright as a starter and we'll just have to wait and see how well this calculation stacks up tomorrow night. Both Hanigan and Wright have been thrown about like ragdolls at times, so neither possess the raw physicality to be an enforcer like Swinton could be if he cleans up his act. Hope it's a bloody cracker and go the Wallabies!
Unca
Guest
HJH performed well at LHP v Pumas for Aus A. Wonder why he didn’t get a look?
Olly
Roar Rookie
I thought the same until I saw Fox player lineups...they have a small forward pack and we have a considerable weight advantage. After watching the ABs game that was a complete surprise to me
MaxP
Roar Rookie
TWAS, as a regular Roar reader I have never seen this side of you. Congratulations for coming out as a Hannigan fan. I’m sure it has taken a lot of courage. Let’s hope you serve as an inspiration to other Ned fans (Hanniphiles?) . I know they’re out there. “Say it once, say it loud, we love Ned and we’re proud!” ????
TRhing-me
Roar Rookie
That is the great fault of the Wallabies. Their great ability to kick away possession in the fervent hope that some poor soul will have great hands. Cowhands! Retain possession. Never fritter it away. And on the subject of half-backs does anyone know if Will Genia is still available? Or John Hipwell? Nick Farr-Jones? In fact does anyone know where we can acquire a top notch half-back? Anyone?
Olly
Roar Rookie
Yep, I have given up on that fight :crying:
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
I'm going Puma 25, Wallabies 9
Olly
Roar Rookie
Mate, Pocock is the only Australia backrower who would have made that Crusaders game day team and he did start some game.
Olly
Roar Rookie
He will sort out any lineout concerns.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Maybe Wright is also the emergency 7 if Hooper gets hurt?
Olly
Roar Rookie
It is the SA way. Might not be the first to the breakdown but will break anyone who gets in the way :laughing:
Olly
Roar Rookie
Just been checking out the comparison between the two teams....anyone else notice how small the Arg pack is? Having not looked into it before, completely surprised
Charlie
Guest
That's unfortunate that Hooper is available for tests next year. I was getting my hopes up.We will be treading water again in 2021.
Adzy
Roar Rookie
Need a Tony Brown special
Heels
Guest
Exactly, Hoy, i don't believe a word Rennie said, Swinton is the exact opposite of Hanigan. Rennie is starting to really worry me with these bizarre selections.
Azza
Guest
As i`ve said for 4 years ,it all comes back to the number 7 who is totally ineffective at his job but has to be picked. Paying him $$$$$$$ is more important than winning it seems.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Ok PeterK, I have found that comment and disappointed. You have miss represented what this person said. The person noted 3 times but pointed out the 1st Samu was trying to clean up a missed cleanout by Toomua on an isolated Philips and said the damage was already done. 2nd, Sam Whitelock and Ofa Tu’ungafasi dominate tackle on Banks and onto the ball with good body position could not be moved by both AAA and Samu and pointed out none could have moved them. 3rd, after the 80mins, bad carry by AAA resulting in both Whitelock and Savea strong over the ball...just note who these players are and also Sam Cane (that guy being disruptive as well all know he is) lying in the tackle zone making it difficult for Samu. Very clear from this you are criticising a guy tring to clean up the mess of other players. These are not penalties caused by him, this is a player clearly trying to correct the mistake of other players.
Tom
Guest
Few pressure scrums might take the run out of him. The Macca's diet might have him gasping. Hope they don't crucify Angus the young bull if they bring Tupou off early.