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Rennie names Wallabies side with six changes and beefed up bench

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Dave Rennie has made six changes as the Wallabies look to bounce back from their recent heavy defeat to Argentina when they host the Springboks this Saturday in round three of the Rugby Championship.

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Having started off the tournament in an encouraging fashion with a win in Mendoza despite the late withdrawal of skipper Michael Hooper, Australia were hammered 17-48 in San Juan and Rennie has picked up the pieces by making three changes to his pack and another three in the backline.

Allan Alaalatoa will start at tighthead prop for the benched Taniela Tupou after missing the defeat due to a family bereavement and he is joined in the front row by the returning Folau Fainga’a, who has overcome a concussion to take over from Lachlan Lonergan. The other tight-five alternation sees lock Matt Philip earn a call-up to partner Rory Arnold, with Darcy Swain dropping to the bench.

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In the backs, Noah Lolesio is at fly-half for the axed James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami at centre for Lalakai Foketi after his recovery from a concussion, while Reece Hodge comes in at full-back with Tom Wright switching to the wing and Jordan Petaia missing out.

Meanwhile, Andrew Kellaway will make his return via the bench after overcoming a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the past four Tests. Rennie has gone with a six/two forwards/backs split to combat the Springboks’ ‘Bomb Squad’, with Kellaway and Tate McDermott the lone replacement backs.

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They are joined by the returning Dave Porecki (concussion), Scott Sio (neck) and the dropped Tupou to inject energy off the bench. “It’s great to have a number of experienced players back in the mix this weekend,” said Rennie in a Wallabies statement. “We understand that respect is earned daily and we get an opportunity to earn it against the current world champions on Saturday.”

The Wallabies will play in Adelaide for the first time since 2004 as part of a doubleheader with the Wallaroos and Black Ferns. “It’s really motivating to be back at home in front of our supporters, especially in Adelaide, a place we haven’t played at in 18 years,” added Rennie.

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Wallabies (vs Springboks, Saturday)
1. James Slipper (c) (119 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (30 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (56 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold (30 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (24 Tests)
6. Jed Holloway (2 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (4 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (23 Tests)
9. Nic White (52 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (12 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (47 Tests)
12. Hunter Paisami (18 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (17 Tests)
14. Tom Wright (14 Tests)
15. Reece Hodge (57 Tests)

Replacements
16. David Porecki (3 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (71 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (42 Tests)
19. Darcy Swain (13 Tests)
20. Rob Leota (10 Tests)
21. Pete Samu (24 Tests)
22. Tate McDermott (17 Tests)
23. Andrew Kellaway (14 Tests)

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C
CO 32 minutes ago
Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

I cannot believe that you don't think the French rugby team coach and captain are not discussing putting Jalibert on the bench in favour of Duponts club teammate that doesn't even play at 10.


This is a terrible, massive insult to a 10 and I'm sure Dupont would also be very enraged if benched for a player that doesn't even play halfback.


A good captain would've insisted to the coach that it was an idea of madness and either select Jalibert or replace him with another 10 if you want him to be reserve.


Jalibert may not be the world's finest tacklers but that's often not a tens main strength that the loose forwards and second five cover. An intercept pass is never great but they happen.


When any player is playing for his club then it's club first, respect doesn't need to be shown to opposition players simply because they're internationals.


Who exactly are you claiming Jalibert hasn't respected? If it's Toulouse international players then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this bench demotion out.


The outcome of selecting Jalibert to the bench and he then throwing his croissants out the window of the team bus immediately prior to playing the Allblacks is a disaster that will be team disharmony as any team mates of Jalibert are in a state of anger and revolt so a performance that will be sub optimal against a team that is thirsting for revenge against France.


I don't know about you but the Allblacks are very upset they've lost twice in a row to France and want to put out a statement performance so this preparation by Galthie of creating havoc looks to me like a coach that is clueless.

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