Qantas Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named Plus500 Brumbies duo Noah Lolesio and Irae Simone in the starting XV for Saturday night’s must win Test against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
20-year-old Lolesio and Simone steered the Brumbies to the Super Rugby AU title, and will look to help spark the Wallabies attack for Bledisloe three.
Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa is the only change to the pack, named for his first start in 2020 alongside James Slipper in the front row, who is set to play his 99th Test for his country.
Lolesio will be partnered by Brumbies teammate Nic White in the halves with Simone to combine in the midfield with the dynamic Jordan Petaia.
Scott Sio will be called upon as one the front row finishers, rounding out the Brumbies selection.
Qantas Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “It’s really exciting to be able to name four more debutants in the squad this week.”
“Noah and Irae have played a lot of footy together and we have no doubt they’re ready to take the step up to Test rugby. Tate and Fraser have had big Super Rugby seasons and have impressed in training over the past month.
“It’s an especially significant night for us with the chance to represent and celebrate our First Nations people by wearing the Indigenous jersey on home soil in front of our Wallabies family.
“We know New Zealand will pose another tough challenge but we’ve prepared well and will be ready to go on Saturday night.”
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek and Ticketmaster for the 2020 Tri Nations, depending on the match venue. For more information, visit TriNations2020.com.au.
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Hospitality packages for the 2020 Bledisloe Cup are also now on-sale for the 2020 Tri Nations. Fans can enjoy the Test match from the comfort of a premium match day function or private suites to make their experience even more special.
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Wallabies team to play New Zealand at ANZ Stadium, Sydney on Sunday 31 October, 7:45pm AEDT
1. James Slipper (98 Tests)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (5 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (37 Tests)
4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (23 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (5 Tests)
6. Ned Hanigan (21 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (101 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (2 Tests)
9. Nic White (33 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio*
11. Marika Koroibete (30 Tests)
12. Irae Simone*
13. Jordan Petaia (4 Tests)
14. Filipo Daugunu (2 Tests)
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (37 Tests)
Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese (11 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (65 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (21 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (102 Tests)
20. Fraser McReight*
21. Tate McDermott*
22. Reece Hodge (41 Tests)
23. Hunter Paisami (2 Tests)
*denotes uncapped
