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Eddie Jones sticks with young Wallabies team to face the All Blacks again
By Ben Smith
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has opted to stick by his young halves for the second Bledisloe Test in Dunedin, naming No 9 Tate McDermott the captain after Allan Alaalatoa went down in Melbourne with a serious leg injury.
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McDermott will become the 86th Wallabies captain when he lines up alongside Carter Gordon for their second Test together in the starting side, with Nic White and Quade Cooper once again named on the bench.
After losing both Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou to injury, Melbourne-born Pone Fa’amausili has been named at tighthead prop to start alongside hooker Dave Porecki and Angus Bell, two players who impressed during their time on the field at the MCG. Reserve prop Zane Nonggorr has been named on the bench to fill the void left by Tupou.
In the second row Richie Arnold has been handed a start alongside Nick Frost, with Will Skelton moving to the bench.
The backrow has been reshuffled to accomodate the return of Fraser McReight at openside, with Tom Hooper moving to the blind and Rob Valetini retaining his place at No 8. Rob Leota is the reserve loose forward.
Former Queensland Reds centre Samu Kerevi and current Red Jordan Petaia retain their midfield combination which showed promising signs in Melbourne. The back three remains unchanged with wingers Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase combining with fullback Andrew Kellaway.
Head coach Eddie Jones stated that the ‘regeneration’ of the Wallabies started last week in Melbourne which will continue this week.
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“Tate’s got all the attributes to be a great captain of his country and there’s no doubt it will be a proud moment for him and his family when he leads the team on Saturday night,” Eddie Jones said.
“We started a regeneration as a team last week and now it’s about building on that with a new captain and a new era in Australian Rugby.”
Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin on Saturday 5 August, 2:35pm NZST/12:35pm AEST:
1. Angus Bell (22 Tests)
2. David Porecki (13 Tests)
3. Pone Fa’amausili (4 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (11 Tests)
5. Richie Arnold (3 Tests)
6. Tom Hooper (2 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (11 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (33 Tests)
9. Tate McDermott (c) (24 Tests)
10. Carter Gordon (3 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (54 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (44 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (26 Tests)
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (5 Tests)
15. Andrew Kellaway (22 Tests)
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Finishers
16. Jordan Uelese (18 Tests)
17. James Slipper (130 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (1 Test)
19. Will Skelton (27 Tests)
20. Rob Leota (15 Tests)
21. Nic White (62 Tests)
22. Quade Cooper (79 Tests)
23. Izaia Perese (4 Tests)
They might as well play the ‘Last Post,’ as opposed to ‘Advance Australia Fair.’ This fixture has all the hallmarks of a massacre.
At last this is a side that is near to what could be our best at this point in time. Injuries aside this side looks to be enterprising and a look to the future. Obviously there are some weaknesses due to injury and inexperience, but I’m actually enthused by the selections. The halves from last week are starting and I’m sure that Carter will improve exponentially from his last game. And if we are within cooee at half time Cooper could come on with his vast experience. I cannot comment on the front row not actually having studied them but if they hold the set piece I will be happy. I hope that Uelese has at last learnt the basic skill of a hooker to throw into the lineout straight, but I have my doubts. Hooper shifting to 6 and McReight at 7 with the others, is a much more balanced pack. I’m still a bit suss on Petaia in the backline, but we will see how he goes this time. But time is running out for him to actually arrive. I will watch this match with interest