New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named nine Plus500 Brumbies in his first Wallabies matchday 23 to play New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday afternoon.
The front row sees the 96-Test capped James Slipper at loosehead prop alongside hooker Folau Fainga’a, with Scott Sio and Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa providing finishing power from the bench.
Pete Samu will wear his familiar number 8 jersey after a stellar 2020 season with the Brumbies, Rob Valetini also in line for his second appearance in the gold jersey and first against New Zealand.
Nic White's form in a Brumbies jersey in the back half of Super Rugby AU sees him earn the halfback spot, with Tom Banks starting at fullback in an exciting Wallabies backline.
Flyhalf Noah Lolesio is poised to make his Test debut from the pine, an incredible achievement for the Shawn Mackay Award winner in his maiden season as a professional player.
Qantas Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “It’s a privilege for me to be able to announce the first Australian side of the year and especially to name a number of players who will wear the gold jersey for the first time.”
“I’ve been impressed with how quickly the squad has come together. There’s a good group of men here and the last three weeks has given us a chance to work hard and learn more about each other.
“We need to demonstrate that brotherhood and connection on Sunday.”
Foxtel will showcase every Qantas Wallabies Test in 2020 LIVE with no ad-breaks during play and in 4K Ultra High Definition.
All games will also be streamed LIVE and On Demand on Kayo Sports.All Qantas Wallabies matches will also be screened LIVE and free in HD on TEN and WIN Network and streaming on tenplay.com.au.
Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Sunday 11 October, 4:00pm NZDT/2:00pm AEDT
1. James Slipper (96 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (12 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (19 Tests)
4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (21 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (3 Tests)
6. Harry Wilson*
7. Michael Hooper (c) (99 Tests)
8. Pete Samu (9 Tests)
9. Nic White (31 Tests)
10. James O’Connor (52 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (28 Tests)
12. Matt To’omua (52 Tests)
13. Hunter Paisami*
14. Filipo Daugunu*
15. Tom Banks (6 Tests)
Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese (9 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (63 Tests)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (35 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (100 Tests)
20. Rob Valetini (1 Test)
21. Jake Gordon (1 Test)
22. Noah Lolesio*
23. Reece Hodge (39 Tests)
*denotes uncapped
