James O’Connor has returned to the Wallabies’ flyhalf jersey for the side’s final Test of the year against Argentina this Saturday.
O’Connor hasn’t played since Bledisloe 2 in Auckland due to a knee injury, but slots back into the number ten role in a strong side named by coach Dave Rennie.
Reece Hodge moves from the halves to fullback to accommodate O’Connor’s return, pushing Tom Banks onto the bench. It will be Hodge’s first start at 15 in national colours, and means he’ll have played in each of the starting backline positions for the Wallabies aside from scrumhalf.
“It’s great to have James back in the team this weekend, he brings a lot of experience to a young group and has been working really hard to get his body right to be able to get back on the field,” Rennie said.
“Reece has done a great job for us at number ten over the past two games and we’re confident he’ll put in another good performance for us on Saturday night from fullback.”
The only other change to the run-on side sees Allan Alaalatoa come back into the starting front row, with Taniela Tupou moving back to the impact sub role he filled so well in Bledisloe 4.
Two players have been brought into the bench. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto makes his return from an ankle injury amongst the reserves in place of Liam Wright, and Irae Simone has got the nod ahead of Noah Lolesio, who was an unused substitute in the Wallabies’ draw with Argentina in Newcastle two weeks ago.
The rest of the side remains unchanged. Scott Sio and Brandon Paenga-Amosa partner Alaalatoa up front, and Rob Simmons and Matt Philip are once again the locks. It will be Philip’s sixth-straight start in the second row, making him one of just five Wallabies to feature in the run-on side for every Test this year. Captain Michael Hooper, number eight Harry Wilson, scrumhalf Nic White and winger Marika Koroibete are the others.
Ned Hanigan has retained his spot at blindside flanker, as has Tom Wright on the wing, and Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami in midfield.
1. Scott Sio
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Rob Simmons
5. Matt Philip
6. Ned Hanigan
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Harry Wilson
9. Nic White
10. James O’Connor
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Jordan Petaia
14. Tom Wright
15. Reece Hodge
Bench
16. Folau Fainga’a
17. Angus Bell
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
20. Rob Valetini
21. Jake Gordon
22. Irae Simone
23. Tom Banks
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yes, I rate Hegarty as well, at least at Super level. I thought it a wasted opportunity not to use Noah more and Harrison, a taste. Either seem to be good prospects, moving forward
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
I don't really think Jimmy is a #10 but he's giving it his best effort. The RA brains trust and their coach seem to believe he is - I'd use Hegarty before O'Connor. That said, his kicking for territory seemed better. The Pumas are a strong team; I enjoyed the battle.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Mate, you still must be drunk after celebrating O'Connor's game last night. Did you really think he is a good 10?
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Let's hope so because he was good pre injury, which I had completely forgotten about.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Well Hanigan is gone next year and is a stopgap anyway, I question his selection nonetheless. Hooper should just focus on pilfering but I really would like to see Wright given a go at 7 and my pipedream is to one day see McMahon or Gill back there.
TheSecondRow
Roar Rookie
He was injured as well for some time during the Super AU season this year as I recall, so perhaps just getting back to peak form/fitness?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Ritchie, All players wish to be no. 1 in A spot and get picked consistently in that spot. It siera gives the player some certainty and reduces a bit of mental anguish. Hodge HAS always been a "fill in", often getting picked on the bench as "cover".
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
21 losses from 25 tests for Hanningan! W9 L12 D3 are the real figures! Might want to change your name to ‘Trump’ :laughing: http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/player/265439.html
Richie
Roar Rookie
Why would he “spit the dummy”? He gets plenty of game time. There’s a few others ahead in the line to “spit the dummy” Bobby.
West Aussie Exile
Roar Rookie
I agree, Lara. I think Pumas will be spent. Great opportunity for WB to get some momentum and some connections going. As others have said, a pity no Tate McDermott -he's the kind of player that is so exciting and will get better if he gets the game time. Hodge at 15, this could really work. Let's have a bit of confidence to finish the year
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
If nothing else, I applaud this take for its heat. :thumbup:
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
And also showed the brain explosions were part of the package. Frankly, as good as I see he could be, I thought he played his way out of the 23. Oddly, Rennie ignores my opinion
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I think when it’s crystal clear who the best player is, that sounds fine. When there’s conjecture and players are better at some things than others, it’s not so simple. And it’s rarely simple. If it was simple, I’d have coached the Wallabies
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
In many situations, the simplest solution is the correct one.
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
I wouldn’t argue with that change. Both fellas deserve a chance IMHO
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yeah exactly, that's why I'm so hopefully for his development, as he's shown improvement already and it's something that can be developed quickly with effort, especially for a guy as skilled as him.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Ned. "He’s big, but useless at this level." You really thinkso, or are you just stirring, TH. Hope it is the latter, otherwise.....
Brett McKay
Expert
Was indeed, has been for a few seasons..
Zak
Roar Rookie
I think “Daramalan” old boy Marco Caputo was coaching in Canberra but I may be wrong
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Bobby, I think the playmaker talent gulf between O'Connor and the next viable uninjured contender is enormous. Rennie thinks James is a #10 so he has to look after himself because he receives the ball a lot with To'omua out. O'Connor's tactical kicking is ordinary. We have plenty of outside backs who can cop a hammering instead. Banks, for instance, is expendable.