Head coach Dave Rennie has included three uncapped players in Australia’s run-on lineup for their Bledisloe Test against the All Blacks in Wellington on Sunday.
The selection of Filipo Daugunu (wing), Hunter Paisami (outside centre), and Harry Wilson (flank) in the starting team will see the Reds trio make their Test debuts this weekend.
A fourth rookie, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio, was named on the bench and could earn his first Test cap if he is used as a substitute later in the game.
Other notable selections in the backline is that of Tom Banks at fullback at the expense of Dane Haylett-Petty and Nic White as the starting scrumhalf ahead of Jake Gordon.
Up front, the selection of captain Michael Hooper will see him play in his 100th Test.
There are just two survivors from the run-on XV that featured in the Wallabies’ last Test at the 2019 World Cup, Marika Koroibete and Michael Hooper.
Wallabies – 15 Tom Banks, 14 Filipo Daugunu*, 13 Hunter Paisami*, 12 Matt To’omua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Harry Wilson*, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Subs: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Rob Valetini, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Noah Lolesio*, 23 Reece Hodge.
*Uncapped players
Photo: @Wallabies/Twitter
