The Wallabies have named their team to take on France in the first of three Tests starting Wednesday night in Brisbane.
The match was moved from Sydney due to the lockdown and players have been in a secure Covid-bubble as they prepare for the challenge of taking on the fifth-ranked side in the world.
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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has opted for Jake Gordon over Tate McDermott in the scrumhalf position with McDermott to start on the bench.
It will be fascinating to see the combination of Gordon and Noah Lolesio who gets his chance at flyhalf on the back of a groin injury to James O’Connor.
Meanwhile, Reds centre Hunter Paisami has made the starting lineup alongside Tom Wright.
Rennie has also named four potential debutants on the bench including Lachlan Lonergan from the Brumbies after a stellar Super Rugby season.
The Wallabies squad will have plenty of power with James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa as the starting props with Brendon Paenga-Amosa at hooker.
Taniela Toupou looks set to be used as an impact player off the bench.
“The whole squad has been training really hard over the past three weeks to prepare for what’s going to be an exciting, tough series against the French,” David Rennie said.
“We’ve always selected a side based on earning the right to wear the jersey and this team is no different.
“The whole group is excited to be back playing Test Rugby in front of our families and supporters and we’re looking to start the year with a positive result at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.”
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)
Wallabies team for first Test vs France
1. James Slipper
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Matt Philip
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Rob Valetini
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Harry Wilson
9. Jake Gordon
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Matt To’omua
13. Hunter Paisami
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
Replacements
16. Lachlan Lonergan*
17. Angus Bell
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Darcy Swain*
20. Isi Naisarani
21. Tate McDermott
22. Len Ikitau*
23. Andrew Kellaway*
*denotes uncapped
Tony H
Roar Pro
After tonight's game Morsie, I have to say his passing, running and positioning was Far, FAR better than Gordon, who was frankly appalling. Hope he starts in the next 2 tests.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
I must have blue eyes (which I do actually) as I just cannot remember J.Ramm making a bad blunder even under pressure, but then I luv Them Noble Tahs so maybe a little biased. :silly: And I do agree with your comments re: F.Daugunu. I was rapt in the bloke watching him in the 2018 NRC and he is electric with the ball. Also very good catching the high kicks. I think in open play that AAA has been better all round this year that TT. But what a great player to bring on around the 50 minute mark.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Morsie, was likely payback for Swinton's cheap shot that cleaned out IsiN in a SR game. If I remember Swinton got away without copping a red nor being cited. The bloke has a lucky charm, that's for sure. :happy:
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Most countries seem to nowadays TimO.
Ash
Roar Rookie
I’m willing to give Kellaway the benefit of the doubt and let him have his chance. I think he would be a better fullback option than who we have currently.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
My biggest point would be 3 tests in 11 days. DR picked a side for this one based on injury and who is available, but not forgetting there will be another test on Tuesday in Melbourne. I'm just very happy to have test footy back and that SKY Sports having not showed the Super Rugby are going to be showing the French Series.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
I can tell also you having it on GEM is better than what we used to get in Melbourne where it wasn't on growing up on Seven at all. You had to have Foxtel, or go to a friends to watch the game, or at 11pm at night on Seven. Give me GEM any day.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Yeah Nine have said they're going to be using GEM as opposed to the main channel when they secured the rights. It allows them less ad breaks than the main channel. On the main channel of 9 the coverage would be severely disrupted due to ad breaks. Having it on GEM allows a bit more flex in that commercial area. That's the difference with Union and League I guess. League is literally built for television whereas Union is better watched without ad breaks and on subscription TV.
TimO
Roar Rookie
Do they play rugby there?
Warren Muller
Guest
It seems as though union is really sinking. The FTA showing is on GEM and not on the main 9 channel.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
We're blooding enough guys, we need some experience. The Tahs could easily have won 3 games in SRAU if they'd had Hooper's experience at the death. And 32 at the RWC isn't really that old....
Connor33
Guest
Wright to fullback. Now that’s a good call.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Believed to be in Iran Tim0!
Bobbles
Guest
3. still too many
Bobbles
Guest
so why is Dave experimenting with him now.? He is not good enough to wear a wallaby jersey now.
PeterK
Roar Guru
agree but Hodge has a greater range of skills and is a true utility player, however DR has said he isn't fit enough yet so it is neither here or there.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Are you joking Brian?
Combesy
Roar Guru
Not at all. It happened last test series, so why wouldn't it happen again?
terrykidd
Roar Pro
0ff the mark speed neither H0dge 0r Kellaway has it
terrykidd
Roar Pro
My 0nly disapp0intments are 1 and 12 ...... neither will be there in 2023 s0 lets m0ve 0n