Former All Black in line to debut for Wallabies against Georgia

Former All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman is in line to debut for the Wallabies this weekend after being named to come off the bench against Georgia at Sydney’s Allianz Stadum.

Hodgman played four Tests for New Zealand in 2020 before later making the move across the ditch after signing with the Queensland Reds. The prop was solid during Super Rugby Pacific this season and was rewarded with an international call-up.

The 31-year-old is one of two potential debuts in the matchday 23, with former Australia sevens and Junior Wallaby Darby Lancaster starting on the left wing. Lancaster was brilliant on the SVNS Series last year before putting pen to paper with the Melbourne Rebels.

Lancaster comes into the run-on side for utility Andrew Kellaway who drops to the bench. The winger will link up with try-scoring machine Filipo Daugunu and the ever-reliable Tom Wright in the outside backs trio.

Coach Joe Schmidt has made 10 changes in total to the starting side, which includes a first Test start of the year for Allan Alaalatoa who also takes over the captaincy from James Slipper who has not been picked.

“Georgia have proven to be a very tough team to play as demonstrated by their wins against Italy and Wales in recent years, as well as their victory last week in Japan,” Schmidt said in a statement.

“They have added some very exciting backs to their traditional forward strength and challenge opponents across the park.”

Two-Test prop Isaac Kailea comes into the First XV for the first time after being named at loosehead prop. Billy Pollard and Alaalatoa are the other front rowers.

Nick Frost and Angus Blyth will pack down alongside each other in the middle row, while Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and the return of Harry Wilson completes the forward pack.

Tate McDermott is back in Wallaby gold after missing out in the second Test against Wales. The Queenslander joins Ben Donaldson in the halves, with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau named int the midfield.

The starting side also includes the previously mentioned trio of Lancaster, Daugunu and Wright. On the bench, Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams and Noah Lolesio are among those looking to add impact.

This match at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium is set to get underway on Saturday afternoon at 3:45 pm. Fans not attending in person can watch the fixture on Stan Sport.

Wallabies team to take on Georgia

1. Isaac Kailea
2. Billy Pollard
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Angus Blyth
6. Rob Valetini
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson
9. Tate McDermott
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Darby Lancaster*
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Len Ikitau
14. Filipo Daugunu
15. Tom Wright

Replacements

16. Josh Nasser
17. Alex Hodgman**
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Tom Hooper
20. Jeremy Williams
21. Nic White
22. Noah Lolesio
23. Andrew Kellaway

*Denotes debut

**Denotes potential debut