David Pocock will lead the Wallabies in their final game before the Rugby World Cup against Samoa with Rob Valetini set to make his international debut off the bench.
Pocock was sidelined for most o 2019 with a calf injury, but thanks to months of rigorous rehab he is fit to wear Wallaby gold, a massive boost for Michael Cheika's side heading into the World Cup.
Rob Valetini narrowly missed out on making the Wallabies 31-man squad, but will no doubt relish the chance to enter the Test arena for the first time.
Tom Banks is another Brumby who was left out of Cheika's group, a start at fullback for the speedster serving as a perfect chance to stake his claim for inclusion should the Wallabies need reinforcements in Japan.
James Slipper and Scott Sio will likely share the minutes at loosehead during the World Cup, Slipper getting the starting jumper for this one with Sio on the bench.
Saturday’s Test at Bankwest Stadium will be just the sixth clash between the two proud Rugby nations, and the first meeting since Samoa’s shock win at ANZ Stadium in 2011.
Avoid the queues at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday and pre-purchase your tickets online viaTicketek.
All tickets to the Qantas Wallabies v Samoa clash include travel to and from Parramatta on all public transport. Parramatta Transport Interchange is a short walk from Bankwest Stadium; Trains from the City to Parramatta run every 10 minutes and additional bus services will run for Saturday’s event.
The Test match will be screened LIVE in HD with no ad-breaks during play on FOX SPORTS on Foxtel, as well as LIVE and Free on Network Ten and streamed on Foxtel Go, Kayo Sports and tenplay.com.au.
Team
1. James Slipper (90 Tests)2. Jordan Uelese (3 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (105 Tests)
4. Rob Simmons (97 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (33 Tests)
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (15 Tests)
7. David Pocock (c) (77 Tests)
8. Jack Dempsey (11 Tests)
9. Will Genia (vc) (104 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (69 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (23 Tests)
12. Matt To’omua (46 Tests)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (118 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty (32 Tests)
15. Tom Banks (5 Tests)
Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (89 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (58 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (15 Tests)
19. Luke Jones (5 Tests)
20. Liam Wright (1 Test)
21. Rob Valetini*
22. Nick Phipps (71 Tests)
23. James O’Connor (47 Tests)
Upcoming Fixtures
Wallabies v Fiji at Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan, Saturday 21 September at 2.45pm AEST
Wallabies v Wales at Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo, Sunday 29 September at 5.45pm AEST
Wallabies v Uruguay at Oita Bank Dome, Oita, Saturday 5 October at 3.15pm AEST
Wallabies v Georgia at Shizuoka Stadium, Shizuoka, Friday 11 October at 9.15pm AEST
