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Wallabies confirm Michael Hooper’s replacement for Los Pumas clash
By Finn Morton
Flanker Michael Hooper will miss the Wallabies’ flash with Michael Cheika’s Pumas on Saturday after suffering an injury at training earlier this week.
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As it’s been widely reported, Hooper picked up a calf injury in the leadup to the clash with Argentina in Sydney. Rising star Fraser McReight has replaced the veteran in the No. 7 jersey for the match.
The Wallabies have made five changes to their starting side ahead of their first Test on home soil in 2023. Prop James Slipper will captain the side, and is set to pack down alongside David Porecki and Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
After making his Test debut last weekend in Wallaby gold, towering lock Richie Arnold has been handed a start this week. Arnold will combine with La Rochelle enforcer Will Skelton in the second row.
Jed Holloway and Fraser McReight will get their first taste of international rugby this year on the flanks, while Rob Valetini has retained his spot at No. 8.
As for the backline, there are only two changes to the group that faced South Africa.
Nic White and Quade Cooper will link up in the halves once again, while world-class midfielder Samy Kerevi and electric winger Mark Nawaqanitawase come into the run-on side.
“As a squad we’re running a marathon this year, and we didn’t get off the start line like we wanted to, but we get another opportunity to find our rhythm this weekend against a tough Argentinian side,” coach Eddie Jones said in a statement.
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“We have two Tests on home soil this year, so we have to have to roll up our sleeves on Saturday and put in a performance that dries Australians to show pride in the Wallabies.”
The Wallabies take on Michael Cheika’s Los Pumas at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Saturday at 7.45 pm AEST.
Wallabies team to take on Argentina
- James Slipper (c)
- David Porecki
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Richie Arnold
- Will Skelton
- Jed Holloway
- Fraser McReight
- Rob Valetini
- Nic White
- Quade Cooper
- Marika Koroibete
- Samu Kerevi
- Len Ikitau
- Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Tom Wright
Replacements:
- Jordan Uelese
- Angus Bell
- Pone Fa’amausili
- Matt Philip
- Rob Leota
- Josh Kemeny
- Tate McDermott
- Carter Gordon
Fantastic pack once they get Angus Bell and Tupou in there - in time for the ABs unfortunately!
McReight is clearly the better player now.
Pete Samu dropped? Very surprised unless injury related.
Just rested for the ABs you would think. Can't see Pete not being in the 23 against the ABs. Eddie knows what Pete brings and probably wants to see what Kemeny, Leota and Phillip can bring.
Better than Hooper on current form