Izaia Perese’s comeback from being cut by the Brisbane Broncos in disgrace is almost complete with the former Queensland Reds player named in his first Wallabies Test team to face Scotland on Monday (AEDT).
While it’s in with the new for Perese, it’s in with the old as well – Rory Arnold will start alongside 2019 World Cup partner Izack Rodda at lock with Kurtley Beale, 32, launching his bid for a fourth World Cup from the bench, alongside Will Skelton who played the last of his 18 Tests five years ago.
James O’Connor will start for the first time this season with Quade Cooper missing the European leg of the tour. O’Connor will partner Nic White in the halves, and they are playing their first Tests in the United Kingdom since 2011 and 2014 respectively.
Reece Hodge’s pectoral injury suffered against Japan gives Andrew Kellaway his first Wallabies start at No.15 with Tom Wright and Jordan Petaia on the wings.
Prop Allan Alaalatoa returns to the starting side – ahead of Taniela Tupou – alongside club teammates James Slipper and Folau Fainga’a in the front row.
The loose forward trio is unchanged with Michael Hooper and Rob Leota as flankers and Rob Valetini at no.8.
The midfield remains unchanged from the one that defeated Japan a fortnight ago, with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau at inside and outside centre.
Waratahs back Perese is in line to become Wallaby number 948.
Perese was cut by the Broncos in 2020 following a drugs incident. He went to play rugby in France and recently described the experience as hitting rock bottom.
“I thought I was going over there mentally strong,” he said when the Spring Tour team was named.
“I was physically fit, probably the fittest I’d ever been, but once I was removed from my support network – my family, friends, my daughter – I didn’t know how to deal with that loneliness, I didn’t know how to deal with that anxiety that came along with it.
“Every day I was waking up and I just felt like I was sinking and it was hard to get through a day without thinking of home.
“Over in France was pretty rock bottom.”
He was on Rennie’s radar at the start of the campaign, with the Wallabies coach ready to bring him in to play against France before Perese suffered an injury.
“He’s powerful, explosive and got a genuine point of difference,” said Rennie in announcing the team on Friday night. “He’s very quick. He’s come in, got his head around things, trained really well in Japan and we believe he’s ready to go.”
Rennie said the team had moved on “really quickly” after losing Cooper, Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon despite their intitial inclusion.
“There was a big deal made out of it. We were disappointed the boys couldn’t travel but we’ve had players leave camp because their partners have had babies or we’ve had injuries and you just move on.
“I haven’t heard anyone in the group talk about the boys staying in Japan so we’ve welcomed the French connection in and they’ve contributed really well.”
Rennie said he had been impressed by Beale’s instant impact.
“Passionate, really good communicator and he looks sharp,” was Rennie’s verdict. “We sat down for an hour yesterday to go through detail. He wanted clarity on a couple of things. He sees it as a great opportunity, probably thought his Wallaby dream was over and it’s exciting for him and exciting for us.”
He said Skelton and Arnold had developed their games by playing in the northern hemisphere.
“It’s a more forward oriented game, particularly in France – very physical. They’ve been around a while and while they haven’t played massive amounts of Tests they have a huge amount of experience.
“I coached against Will when I was at Glasgow and he was at Saracens. He was a beast then and makes massive impact and we’re looking for the same thing from him.”
O’Connor, meanwhile, is pumped to get his first start of the season.
“He’s keen as, as you can imagine,” said Rennie. “We’ve got a lot of confidence in James. He’s very experienced, from a Reds point of view he had a fantastic season and brings a lot of confidence and experience.”
Wallabies team to play Scotland at 1:15am AEDT Monday
1. James Slipper (111 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (22 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (51 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold (26 Tests)
5. Izack Rodda (31 Tests)
6. Rob Leota (3 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (116 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (15 Tests)
9. Nic White (44 Tests)
10. James O’Connor (58 Tests)
11. Jordan Petaia (15 Tests)
12. Hunter Paisami (12 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (10 Tests)
14. Tom Wright (7 Tests)
15. Andrew Kellaway (10 Tests)
Replacements
16. Connal McInerney (1 Test)
17. Angus Bell (13 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (36 Tests)
19. Will Skelton (18 Tests)
20. Pete Samu (16 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (12 Tests)
22. Kurtley Beale (92 Tests)
23. Izaia Perese*
*denotes uncapped
Marshy
Guest
Have to agree with you on that second hooker selection SA. Can not see how that is justified by any of the selectors or the forwards coach. Connal has a massive future as a ball running no.2, n I doubt, but the fact is he simply has not had the time on the pitch to even earn the spot. And it is hard to justify, no matter how good the debut.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
It was one thing to criticise Cheika’s selections when he was ignoring form, losing everything and picking his favourites again and again. More difficult to allege conspiracies with this coaching group. They have gotten us up to 3 in the world, won five in a row against tier 1 opposition and have not been afraid of the tough selection calls (eg Quade). Maybe you’re not calling a spade a spade in this instance and the three selectors know something you do not. McInerney is there, I think, because of the throwing of those others you mentioned. Maybe the Australian hookers should work on their throwing.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Yes, I'm a Reds fan, are you a Brumbies fan? Doesn't really matter, I call a spade a spade OPP. Sure, McKellar isn't listed as a selector but sure as hell he has influence as the forwards coach, not bizarre just not naive. Hooper was used as an example, you can substitute any of the first picked players in there. You want them on the field from kick off, to dominate, wear down & put points on the opposition so hopefully the game isn't in the balance in the last quarter. The Marx situation I feel is a bit more complex then meets the eye. He I think is a victim of the SA quota system. Anyway, his late impact didn't work against Au, I think if he & his prop had started, results could have been the other way around. TT is a once in a generation player, we need to use him. He thrives on playing big minutes & gets confidence from being out there. TT's handling isn't the only frustrating thing, how can second & third string Brumby hookers get so much of a chance. I'm sure there a more worthy ones running around in Oz eg. Kaitu'u, Mafi. This just smells "something is not right" & it is a worry if nepotism has crept back into the WB's. Gee, we just got rid of Cheika's.
Tony Hodges
Roar Rookie
‘Always start your best’ is one of those truisms that isn’t true any more. These days, you play players when their impact will be highest (or put another way, when the overmatch is greatest). Tupou and AAA are both going to play 30-50 minutes, and while Tupou is a good starter, he’s diabolical in the final 20, so AAA starts.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
I’m going to guess you’re a Reds fan. A lot of issues with those comments but here is my vide: 1. The choice between Alaalatoa and Tupou is not entirely straightforward. While Tupou has a much bigger impact his work rate is lower. 2. There is no particular reason why the starting prop position should be seen as senior to the bench one, given both will get 30-50 minutes. Malcolm Marx is probably the best hooker in the world and starts on the bench. 3. Tupou started against Japan and did not have a good game. This could have influenced the coaches in thinking he does his best work off the bench. 4. The coaches may be expecting the game to be in the balance in the final quarter and so want Tupou’s impact. 5. The situation with Hooper is totally different as there is no reserve 7 on the bench and he plays 80 minutes effectively every single match. Bizarre comparison. 6. I understand the Wallabies have three selectors: Rennie, Johnson and Wisemantle. None of those is McKellar so your claim regarding him is a bit bizarre also.
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing:
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Regarding TT. He's shown he can go big minutes, he has monstered this Brumby front row & deserves to start against the best the Scots can throw at him. If we go by your theory of saving our best for later why don't we put Hooper on the bench & use him as an impact player. He wouldn't like it, so why would TT like it?
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
The worry is McKellar’s nepotism. Which looks like DR is willing to go along with at the moment.
Chester B
Roar Rookie
My excitement for rugby has returned after a short break following the NBA. Scotland are a great test for the Wallabies and it will be interesting to see how White and O’Connor manage the game, especially if they win good quality set piece ball. Looking forward to a good contest - the Scots will be passionate and willing whilst the WB’s have now learnt to play for the full 80. My only question is whether to stay up or set my alarm.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Also Grey and Sutherland are out, two of their best forwards also get with Watson. Big loss for Scotland. Australia should dominate the set piece and maul especially in the second half.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Aberdeen. I think it will be a good entertaining game. The bench is full of impact players. The scrum and maul especially should be strong in the second half. Arnold was the cornerstone of the Brumbies maul so he knows McKellar’s style and Skelton is also excellent in the maul. Both excellent scrummagers as well. The set piece and maul I think is the point of difference between the sides. McDermott, Tupou, Skelton, Bell, Samu, Perese and Beale, they should cause the Scottish plenty of headaches. JOC hasn’t played for ages so that’s a concern and Paisami needs more impact with the ball. The backline is very good defensively. Petaia and Kellaway will need to channel plenty of Koroibete’s work ethic and attack the 12 channel as well.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Yes Marshy… Scotland are a talented side for sure, I just think that the Wallabies defence will be a big key as they proved against the Boks. It will be a great game between two sides that like to play positive Rugby :rugby:
Aiden
Guest
Over to you SuperCoach
Aiden
Guest
He was away, he’s back. That’s news.
Marshy
Guest
Share a somewhat similar view MK. The Gold have been averaging 30 points a game (thereabouts) across this year, as such Scotland will be needing to put about 30+ on them to lock in a win. They have the talent to do it.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Onya Mad Kiwi, very kind words mate. Rennie does give me reasons for optimism however the Wallabies are the ultimate tease and we are always looking for a turn the corner stage. We thought we turned a corner after 2015… Anyway we will know about this group in the next few games. Good luck to your lads.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Mind your Ps and Q's.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Murrayfield has electric heating installed under the turf!
Rubbish Surf 69
Roar Rookie
Name thief, and crap comment
1eye
Roar Rookie
Could just imagine the defense of wallaby opposition in two/ three minds ......... with the likes of Skeleton and Tupou as receivers from a break down 5 meters out .