Dave Rennie has lost his two preferred fullbacks ahead of the second Test, with Andrew Kellaway injured in training and ruled out of the match at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Jordan Petaia was named in the No.15 jersey for the first time at Test level when Rennie announced his 23 on Thursday. The coach resisted taking a punt on high profile rugby league convert Suliasi Vunivalu however, opting to bring Tom Wright onto the wing and Izaia Perese onto the bench.
There was a big change at No.13 with Hunter Paisami replacing Len Ikitau.
Rennie said Ikitau suffered calf soreness in the opening match of the series.
“He hasn’t come right,” said Rennie. “He tried to run this morning. He’s really close but we didn’t want to risk anything and confident he’ll be right for next week.”
One bright spark amidst the injury gloom for Rennie was the naming of Taniela Tupou, a welcome addition after two months on the sideline with Allan Alaalatoa missing due to his concussion in Perth.
Brumbies lock Nick Frost, who walked out of a contract in Japan in a bid to play for the Wallabies, has had that decision justified and is on line for debut off the bench following Darcy Swain’s suspension.
Kellaway has a hamstring injury and Rennie ruled him out for the third Test as well. Rennie already lost Quade Cooper to the calf injury that kept him out of the first Test and his first choice fullback Tom Banks to a broken arm in the gutsy 30-28 win in Perth.
Banks is out for months and Cooper is unlikely to play again until after the England Tests. Rennie is likely to be boosted by the return of Taniela Tupou – a welcome relief with Allan Alaalatoa ruled out due to the concussion suffered last weekend.
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Kellaway was moved to fullback in Perth with Petaia coming onto the wing after Banks’ agonising departure and the pair combined superbly for a decisive try to the Queenslander.
Rennie will have every confidence in Petaia to fulfill the role – having argued long and hard that he wanted to see him used at No.15 by Brad Thorn at the Reds – but Kellaway’s absence left the coach with a massive call as he mulled the make-up of his starting team and bench.
It seemed a crucial moment in the international career of Suliasi Vunivalu, the rugby league convert who Rennie has kept in camp instead of sending to Fiji with Australia A.
Andrew Kellaway. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Vunivalu’s lack of a kicking game is likely why Rennie opted for Wright, who has also played minutes at No.15 this year.
Vunivalu has a short learning curve into the World Cup and his hopes of a debut could now rest on the Rugby Championship games, perhaps in Argentina.
“It’s not so much about capping Suli,” Rennie said when he named the former Melbourne Storm star in his 35-man squad.
“We’ve picked him because he has massive potential, we think we can accelerate his development within the camp rather than leaving him outside of that.
“He’s had his troubles with injury, we’ve seen glimpses of real quality and we’re just keen to get our hands on him and accelerate that.”
Suliasi Vunivalu poses for a photo before an Australian Wallabies training session. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
On Thursday Rennie said of Vunivalu: “He’s starting to make really good steps. his job is to keep putting pressure on. Izzy gives a bit more cover at centre and wing and with Tom Wright on the field we have depth around 15.” He said he had no doubt Vunivalu would eventually break through.
Rennie is losing fullbacks at the same rate Spinal Tap lost drummers. Kurtley Beale is two months away from being fit enough for consideration.
Beale was full of praise for Kellaway’s performance in Perth.
“No doubt, Kellaway stepped up,” Beale said this week. “I thought he did brilliantly. I think those couple of classy touches, that try for Jordy, those hands were very silky. He’s been in and around the group, he’s steady and he’s succeeding but I’ll be doing everything I can to create an environment and the competition to make it better.
“Like a lot of the other guys who have come in, they’ve set the bar high and that’s how we want it, we want to keep pushing ourselves to be the best because we’re playing the best – the Springboks, All Blacks and we’ve got a big task ahead with England on the weekend.”
Tupou’s return is one of seven changes to the matchday 23 with Frost in line for a Test debut, named as lock cover.
Tupou is joined up front by last week’s debutant David Porecki and loosehead prop Angus Bell, who plays his 18th Test at just 21 years of age.
Matt Philip comes into the starting second row and will partner Cadeyrn Neville after Swain was suspended for two weeks following his red card in Perth.
The backrow remains unchanged, with Leota and Rob Valetini at blindside flanker and number eight with Michael Hooper at No.7.
Noah Lolesio retains the number 10 jersey after a composed performance in the opening Test last weekend and will again partner Brumbies teammate Nic White in the halves while Jake Gordon stays on the bench ahead of Tate McDermott.
Rennie said in a statement: “It’s great to have Taniela back this week and he’s extremely excited to pull on the gold jersey in his hometown.
“Equally Jordy is looking forward to the opportunity at fullback and of course it will be a proud night for Nick and his family for his Test debut.
“We will proudly be wearing the First Nations jersey and singing the national anthem in Yugambeh language on Saturday night as we pay our respect to Uncle Lloyd McDermott and the First Nations people of this country.”
Meanwhile, there have been questions raised over the ability of Rennie to bring in a third overseas player to replace Cooper as one of the three allowed OS options.
A Wallabies spokesman told The Roar that the situation was fluid – suggesting there is no rule preventing a fourth call up for the series – but added it wasn’t at all likely an overseas player (such as Rory Arnold or Will Skelton) would be brought in as cover with just the third Test to play after this weekend.
Wallabies team to play England at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 9 July, 7:55pm AEST
1. Angus Bell (17 Tests)
2. David Porecki (1 Test)
3. Taniela Tupou (38 Tests)
4. Matt Philip (21 Tests)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (1 Test)
6. Rob Leota (7 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (119 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (19 Tests)
9. Nic White (48 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (10 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (43 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (39 Tests)
13. Hunter Paisami (15 Tests)
14. Tom Wright (10 Tests)
15. Jordan Petaia (17 Tests)
Replacements
16. Folau Fainga’a (26 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (70 Tests)
18. James Slipper (115 Tests)
19. Nick Frost*
20. Pete Samu (20 Tests)
21. Jake Gordon (11 Tests)
22. James O’Connor (62 Tests)
23. Izaia Perese (2 Tests)
*denotes uncapped
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
I like Wright. He looks to have a full skillset, a modern Joe Roff. But something has been buzzing in his head during test matches. Wish he would clear his brain and keep it simple. He could be lethal. But he hasn’t yet instilled full confidence in the selectors. It’s up to him.
Phil
Roar Rookie
But he did top the clean out count! I couldn’t disagree more that hes average, or that his performance was just ok, because it wasn’t. especially on debut, and for 80 mins. I want players doing the work and knowing their role and he does that. As well as his set piece work and maul work. And he’s got great pace. His selection wasn’t a surprise to me at all. He would have made it last year if not for injury and he’s been close many times.
Prince Symbol
Roar Pro
not a harsh call… he tackled too high… plain as day…he generally does tackle too high. Just a fact. What comments do you want on cleanouts? U r the one who said he did a thousand cleanouts… he didn’t..he doesn’t.. he is an average player and there is nothing wrong wit that. I don’t have a problem with him.. I just have a problem with over-reactions to standard performances. Nick frost looks the better player… in fact there are several others that should be there ahead of him… his was a strange selection… in saying that he got selected and not surprisingly (he has always been a decent player) did ok so i wish him the best of luck. i’m just not going to agree with nonsense like he hit a thousand rucks and a sfor the tackle count it wasn’t a herculian effort…. fair play he topped the tackle count… so what.. they ran at him and he tackled them.. as he is meant to… had he tackled low he may have made a better impact on the game
Phil
Roar Rookie
No comment on the clean outs? Pretty harsh call on that try. That close to the line trying to wrap the ball up. But yes I guess he has to wear that. Considering his try saver and defensive effort, don’t we need strong defence and ball retention to win Test matches?
Prince Symbol
Roar Pro
and let Ellis genge's try in by tackling too high
Prince Symbol
Roar Pro
:laughing: I didn’t see that stat but 20kmh seems a bit crazy don’t u think… how fast is a rugby pass in the first place???? Couldn’t imgaune it was much more than 20kmh in the first place… I saw he passes further than Gordon on average..( it was 20% more which must be what you are referring to). In saying that the distance of pass is not as important as accuracy… the scrum half can only pass to the distance the first receiver is standing……… in fact the perfect pass in rugby is 7m (there was some biomechanics, i’m not sure but cleverer people than us involved, done on this a few years back that was brought to my attention by Simon Cron….according to him it turns out the 7m pass is on average the perfect distance between player, due to pass velocity and factoring in defenders etc etc it was complex..) anyway Gordon’s average pass, according to Stan, was exactly 7m… i’m not making that up…it was according to the stan sport stats which i thought was interesting because simon cron had worked tirellesly on instilling the skills of the tahs to be able to execute the 7m pass consistently and has trained them to essentially space at 7m in attack. anyway stats are one thing…they are different styles of no 9.. White everything goes off him… very much like the great french no 9’s… I’m not sure that suits our style… but Gordon has the more accurate pass of all 3… Gordon is the biggest and strongest ball carrier and the quickest over meaningful distances plus he is the better defender… Tate has the better step and sniping running game… white the better kicking game… they all bring their strengths.. but overall Gordon is the better no 9… as i said white was actually poor on saturday if you watch closely.. very inaccurate in fact with his passing…we looked much more cohesive with Gordon when he was on.
Phil
Roar Rookie
From Nick Bishop, even though he doesn’t rate Neville: He topped the Australian tackle count with 17 and tied Michael Hooper for top spot in key ruck arrivals at cleanout time with 19. He forced one turnover with a choke tackle and made another try-saver in the corner.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Ferret you know there are quite a lot of us who really don't care what team they come from, we just want the best team for Australia. I am a Tahs fan but I support all Aussie teams except when playing against the Tahs, and I would never prefer a Tah player on a tight call just because of who they play for. I have been plumping for AAA, Sio, Slipper, Fainga'a, Frost, Neville, Valetini, White, Lolesio, Ikitau, Banks, Wright - is that enough for you? Like others I am neutral on Gordon v McDermott, and the only Tah I rate more highly than the selectors is Pietsch who had a sensational last 3 Super games, but I can accept he can bide his time and playing in the A team is probably good for him and the Wallabies longer term.
Phil
Roar Rookie
How many clean outs did he do then? He topped the tackle count and missed none - 100% tackle success - but you want to criticise his height? Tough crowd.. I like low tackles too but like many locks they are often trying to do ball and all tackles and hold up players forcing maul turnovers. The English press…?
JC
Roar Rookie
Feeling nervous about this Test match. The Wallabies team looks decent on paper but I kind of feel that about 50% of our rugby smarts has just walked out the door with Ikitau and Kellaway's injuries. Anyway, we know they're fighters, so still backing them to get the job done. Go well, boys!
JC
Roar Rookie
Fingers crossed for no more injuries!
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
The flat line defence last week was one of the secrets to success. I’m happy to see HP charge out of the line to smash someone (Smith or Farrell? Yes please!) But they’ll have to adjust the alignment of the defensive line so as not to leave a gap.
dazell
Roar Rookie
Nothing to do what team he plays for just think he is a better player. So no not heart broken.
Canberrafella
Roar Rookie
I thought I heard or saw a stat on Saturdays Stan broadcast which suggested White’s passing speed is 20km/h faster than Gordon’s - which I guess means the ball gets to his runners faster. Maybe that’s part of the reason - I also reckon White’s pretty decent at game management.
Prince Symbol
Roar Pro
he didn't hit a thousand clean outs and he tackles too high... the english press were unimpressed with neville btw.. i think we all love the story of the 33 yo debutant... the reality was he went ok... but hardly enough to see him not under scrutiny. I agree with coker that frost should be starting.. i'm sure by seasons end he will be.
Prince Symbol
Roar Pro
McDermott does not have the core no9 skills or defense to be better than White or Gordon.. he has the btter sniping game... so for me he does make sense as the reserve scrum-half option. Gordon is the superior no9 to White and should be the starting no9. Watching a replay of last weeks match and Nic White really was poor actually and was lucky to get the nod again. Wilson should be in the team for Valetini. He's just better. Leota deserves his spot at no 6.
Mirt
Roar Rookie
POPGUN . . . . Ed Zachery
Lenz
Guest
I agree. JP has the skills but is error prone and lacks the decision making ability i think is important at full back. I also would have liked to see JOC at 13. With all the attacking threats in this team a 13 with the ability to connect them would add alot of value imo. From what ive seen of hunter i'd rate him similary to JP, good skills without the ability to read the game and make good decisions.
PeterK
Roar Guru
agree on Perese not on JoC, he is too short and slow and has a popgun of a kick to be the starting 15.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Perese starting over Paisami would have been my preference.