The Wallabies have made eight changes for the third and deciding Test against France in Brisbane on Saturday night including a fresh faced line up at the base of the scrum.
Reds player Tate McDermott gets his chance in the starting side while Lachlan Swinton has also been brought onto the run-on team with coach Dave Rennie mindful of the short turnaround. Rennie has stood by Jake Gordon who remains in the team as the replacement scrumhalf.
Between them, scrum half Tate McDermott (4), flyhalf Noah Lolesio (4), and centres Hunter Paisami (8) and Len Ikitau (1) have played just 17 Tests, as Matta To’omua dropped to the bench and Paisami moved from outside centre next to Lolesio.
Once again there is no sign of James O’Connor who misses out. Rennie confirmed the reason is a troublesome groin injury.
“James tweaked his groin on game day. It’s not quite as bad as we first thought. We’ll get clarity but hopefully, he will be back for the All Blacks.” Rennie said.
Other interesting news to come out of the team selection is Isi Naisarani starting at no.8, while Filipo Daugunu will play his first Test of the year on the right-wing.
With the French side out muscling the Wallabies in the scrum, Allan Alaalatoa has been recalled as the starting tighthead prop for the match at Suncorp Stadium. He’ll have the task of stopping the French power and making metres for his side alongside James Slipper who along with Brandon Paenga-Amosa will need a well-earned rest after playing in the front row in all three Tests.
“We always knew with the scheduling of the series against a tough French side, that it would require a full squad effort and we’re going to see that on Saturday night,” Rennie said.
“We were disappointed with the result in Melbourne and we’ll be out to rectify that with more accuracy and composure in key moments at Suncorp Stadium.
“As always, we’ve picked a team that has earned the right to wear the gold jersey and we’re confident they’ll get the job done in Brisbane.”
Wallabies team for third Test vs France
1. James Slipper
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Darcy Swain
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Tate McDermott
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Len Ikitau
14. Filipo Daugunu
15. Tom Banks
Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Angus Bell
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Matt Philip
20. Rob Valetini
21. Jake Gordon
22. Matt To’omua
23. Reece Hodge
RahRah
Roar Rookie
Hopefully it will be the last time we ever have to endure McIntyre at 10 again.
cookie
Roar Guru
I just can’t agree with benching thor. He has been playing better tan Allan whether he starts or finishes. So the theory he is a finisher just doesn’t wash with me.
MaxP
Roar Rookie
Yes, Hodge could have become the next Larkham but his utility tag stuffed him around so much. It’s a shame
MaxP
Roar Rookie
Agreed. A thug eye gouges, kicks players, punches. Swinton just struggles with tackles slipping up and unnecessary late clear outs. Sure, he needs to get it out of his game as he attracts attention but he’s not a thug. There really aren’t any thugs going around anymore. They have luckily been stamped out of the game
Rugby wizard
Guest
To all 7's in the country,you never going to start for the Wallabies,go overseas and earn some extra bucks,we will understand that you have not left because of money.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
Yeah my thoughts too.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yeah geez you'd be speccing up the team bus to carry that lot :shocked:
Loosey
Roar Rookie
The backs conceded a shocking number of turnovers so I hope Ikitau and Daugunu show improvement on that front.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
What does that even mean - 'lack of physicality'? He made 12 tackles, none missed, and gained two turnovers plus scored a try. And its 'complements'. Swinton's a numpty for his lack of control, but would you want get hit by him? Let him wear himself out against 'le boeuf', just hope he does it in a controlled way.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Exactly, including being first there when backs make breaks like he did with Koroibete’s breaks
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Oops, reading a few posts it appears he may be injured, shame.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Give Kaitu'u a run will ya!
Phil
Roar Rookie
Super intelligent again!
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I guess like you and many others, I was paying particular attention to McDermott’s passing on Tuesday. I saw some green shoots. A couple of good passes staying low and straight off the ground. And left to right. He’s obviously working on it.
MO
Guest
All I got on Google was a guy with Zantana's name having played colts in the QRL. Maybe someone over your side knows him Rob. Surely he can't be that size and fast. Be scary if he one day ends up in a team with Zane Nongorr, Tupou, Uelese, Pone and Skelton.
Coker
Roar Rookie
Looking in from the outside, I quite like this team (taking injuries into account). Two concerns though: 1. The second row is very weak. 2. The backline has lots of flair players, but not much in the way of solidity.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I reckon our side is A-ish at best with injuries and unavailables.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Zantana Pomare Height: 198cm Weight: 143kg Position: Flanker/Number Eight Good lord, that a fair side of beef!
MO
Guest
Thanks Mate. I just checked that too. Is Holmes going or undecided? We don't really need Lezano (no disrespect intended) but we do need Medrano.
Link
Roar Rookie
I think I agree with you Geoff. Hooper is so good at what he does well I’m not sure if we all overlook that he may create weaknesses elsewhere. Just can’t help but think we need to have a big back row like pretty much every other nation.