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Wallabies make six changes for Ireland but Suaalii is fit to start
By Liam Heagney
Joe Schmidt has made six changes to his Wallabies team for Saturday’s final Autumn Nations Series match. Australia lost 13-27 to Scotland last Sunday, ending hopes of repeating their 1984 UK and Ireland Grand Slam tour success, and the reaction for their game in Dublin has been to alter one back and five forwards.
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With the fixture falling outside the official November player release window, Schmidt was unable to select the likes of the French-based Will Skelton. His place is taken by Jeremy Williams, who had an illness last week, and he will lock down at second row with Nick Frost, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto dropping to the bench.
Both props are also changed with James Slipper and the fit-again Taniela Tupou in for the benched duo of Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa. In the back row, Fraser McReight is chosen ahead of Carlo Tizzano at openside.
While just three players – Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Rob Valetini and skipper Harry Wilson – are retained from last Sunday’s starting pack in Edinburgh, it is nearly as you were in the back line as the only change is on the left wing with Max Jorgensen in for the benched Harry Potter.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who went off injured at Murrayfield, has recovered and will continue his starting partnership in the midfield with Len Ikitau. On the bench, fly-half Tane Edmed, the son of the former Balmain Tigers NRL star Steve Edmed, is poised to become Australia’s record-extending 19th debutant of 2024.
Schmidt said in a team announcement statement: “It has been a challenging year where we have grown a bit as a squad, and we have an opportunity to challenge ourselves again against what is a settled and cohesive Ireland team.
“It’s going to be a big occasion at the Aviva with the 150th anniversary celebrations so I hope those in attendance get to enjoy a really good spectacle.”
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Australia (vs Ireland, Saturday)
1. James Slipper (142 Tests) – Bond Pirates
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (19 Tests) – Southern Districts
3. Taniela Tupou (57 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (24 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (9 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (51 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (24 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (21 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (28 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (28 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Max Jorgensen (6 Tests) – Balmain Wolves
12. Len Ikitau (38 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (3 Tests) – The Kings School
14. Andrew Kellaway (38 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (36 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Replacements:
16. Billy Pollard (5 Tests) – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (35 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
18. Allan Alaalatoa (79 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (40 Tests) – Randwick
20. Langi Gleeson (13 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (40 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Tane Edmed (uncapped) – West Harbour Juniors
23. Harry Potter (1 Test) – Moorabbin Rams)
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