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The rare winning run the Wallabies aim to keep alive against England this weekend
By AAP
Confirmation arrived in Perth but it’s consistency that Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is chasing in Brisbane.
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The second rugby test against England has been spiced up by the return of new father Taniela Tupou from injury to face seasoned prop Ellis Genge.
Jordan Petaia’s move to fullback for the first time in Wallabies gold, thanks to injuries to Tom Banks and Andrew Kellaway, will also be closely watched ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Both men bring game-changing ability but after a 30-28 win in Perth snapped an eight-game losing streak against the English they are just sub-plots to Hooper’s wishes on Saturday night.
“It’s confirmation we’re on the right track, some of the things we’re putting in place are working,” he said of their win in Perth that came despite a first-half red card to Darcy Swain.
“We are doing some really good things, but saw last week there’s plenty of examples to get better.”
“It’d be pleasing (to go up 2-0). We’ve talked about where we want to go and within that is starting to win games consistently.
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“It’d be a step towards that, but it’s something we can talk about at a later date.”
Perhaps the only place the Wallabies have found consistency in recent history has been Suncorp Stadium, where they’ve won 10 straight tests since England beat them in 2016.
Hooper has great seats to watch Tupou clash with Genge, while he expects Petaia, the 22-year-old who has played across the backline but never in the No.15, to flourish.
“That’s been the big one, getting his body right so he can put back-to-back performances together,” Hooper said.
“Physically he’s outstanding … quite a rangy mover which makes him difficult to tackle, a turn of pace and all the tricks in the tool kit as well.
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“He’s a complete package. One of the best things is getting time on the paddock so with that he’ll go strength to strength.”
Petaia’s Queensland Reds teammate Hunter Paisami will return to the side for the injured Len Ikitau at outside centre, forming a powerful combination with former Reds captain Samu Kerevi.
Matt Philip will come in for the suspended Swain too, but Hooper said the mix-and-match nature of their training in the build-up to Perth meant the bulk changes weren’t a factor.
