It’s official. Nic White has been named to start for the Wallabies at halfback against the Springboks, replacing Tate McDermott after an impressive performance last weekend.
White came off the bench at a crucial time as the Wallabies pulled off a memorable 28-26 victory. He seemed to soak up the pressure on his shoulders and was instrumental in holding off the Springboks after an injury to McDermott.
Captain Michael Hooper will skipper the side for the 60th time passing George Gregan’s record for most Tests as Wallabies captain.
James Slipper returns to the run-on side alongside Taniela Tupou who earns a second start in 2021 at his home ground, with Folau Fainga’a finalising the front row at hooker.
Tom Robertson comes onto the bench for his first inclusion this year, while Dave Rennie has resisted the temptation to bring in James O’Connor, who has declared himself fit.
Hunter Paisami, who gave up his place after Bledisloe II to return home for the birth of his child, has missed out again following the strong performances of Samu Kerevi and Len Ikitau against South Africa.
Tom Banks has again been named at fullback with the 27-year-old having worn the number 15 jersey in every game for the Wallabies this year. He’s joined in the back three by Marika Koroibete and the in-form Andrew Kellaway.
“It’s an incredible milestone for Hoops on Saturday evening in Brisbane and it’s a testament to him as a person and a player,” Rennie said.
“I’ve been so impressed with his leadership both on and off the field and his drive to be better every day.
“We were really proud of the effort from our men last Sunday and we’re well aware of the ferocity that a wounded Springboks outfit will bring to Suncorp Stadium.”
South Africa named their team with three changes on Wednesday.
Wallabies team to play Springboks – September 18, Suncorp Stadium 5:05pm AEST
1. James Slipper (107 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (18 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (32Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (27 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (16 Tests)
6. Lachlan Swinton (5 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (112 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (11 Tests)
9. Nic White (40 Tests)
10. Quade Cooper (71 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (40 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (35 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (6 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (6 Tests)
15. Tom Banks (18 Tests)
Replacements
16. Feleti Kaitu’u (1 Test)
17. Angus Bell (9 Tests)
18. Tom Robertson (24 Tests)
19. Darcy Swain (6 Tests)
20. Pete Samu (12 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (9 Tests)
22. Reece Hodge (50 Tests)
23. Jordan Petaia (11 Tests)
GJ
Roar Rookie
Errh, top 5 boots in world rugby in kicking distance and same out of hand.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Late to the party here, geez the front row is looking vulnerable. Poor old Slipper can barely hold up up a scrum and Robertson has never convinced at this level. I suspect Faingai was retained due to injuries and the rookie not ready to start. I think tomorrow is a case of quick feed and get it out pronto !! Good to see White get a start. Banks needs a big game or look at Kellaway or JOC at the back.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Micky Mouse
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Hopefully they are lining him up for selection, he has lived in Aus for a while I thought. Pone is a prospect but not good enough in the scrums right now, he needs to really refine that area. Petrus would be doing a lot of work with him I am sure though.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thanks jeznez for explaining why he is confused lol some find it hard to eat humble pie :thumbup:
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Of course ... clear communication is so passé, so unfashionable, yes.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah I wondered that too.
JP
Guest
Hodge is a utility, nothing more.
Azza
Guest
Would it surprise you to know Swinton took no lineouts, the very reason his fans keep saying why he is needed in the team. Coupled with 2 penalties conceded and 2 dropped balls in contact i dont know how he keeps getting a game over Wilson.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
We have selected 3 LH props .... why ??? Which will be the backup TH? Robertson? Possibly too small and light
stillmissit
Roar Guru
You hint at part of the problem Mug and that is the lack of agreement between Wallabies and SR. Getting Brad Thorn to give 15 to JP to give Australia a young possible or just about any other coach with young talent is tricky, a lot easier if the teams were winning!
Geoff
Guest
Thank for telling us you know nothing about rugby without telling us you know nothing about rugby.
JP
Guest
Neither has Swinton, yet he is still picked.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
There is a limit SMI and I do think we have passed it. If he does not grab the mantle this week, then you would have to say any of RH, JOC or AK are just as likely to play as well as he is. Some Roarers champion JP, but he is still on the bench as an outside back so, unless he is training all the time at FB, he is not part of the equation. It is also getting to the point where the arguments for Banks are, he is the best available specialist FB in SR and Rennie sees some secret sauce. Possibly time for Rennie to find someone else in Australia who can be a specialist FB. Either an up and coming star, or another player who could be a good FB. If he cannot locate one potential FB talent in Australia then I become even more sceptical about his special ability to spot hidden FB talent. Surely RA's development pathways have sunk this low?
jeznez
Roar Guru
G'day MK. Antony's just very confused at the moment, he spent half of Super Rugby telling us all about Rennie's bias against the Brumbies and how none would be selected. Seeing 11 of them trot out the other week would have shaken him. This has drawn him into admitting that Hooper can play 7. A pretty huge admission for AH!
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Mug, he can just hang in there as Rennie seems reluctant to offer the starting spot to anyone else. Hodge would have been my choice v the 2nd Boks and see what happened from there. They are going to throw everything at Banks so maybe he will step up and maybe Rennie will get the story - at last, some would say - you and I being 2 of them.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Hodge has a kicking game?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
No, as a matter of fact, I don't. Slipper has been a world class LH for a decade. Bell is 21 and was part of a starting scrum last week that, after an initial concern, came back so much they won a penalty that ended up providing the points that was the difference between the teams. Robertson at TH may be a concern but I'm not sure what all the other screaming is about and I'm OK to trust the coaching group who decided he was up to it.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Oh here we go again. The village pendant.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Ainsley plays well fit the Clan