Loosehead prop Angus Bell is set to make his return from injury in the Wallabies’ second Test of the Flight Centre Rugby Championship against South Africa this Saturday evening in Perth.
He will team up with his 2019 Under-20s teammate Josh Nasser, who earns his first Test start at hooker, alongside captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
Two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete will also return to the gold jersey, taking the place of the injured Filipo Daugunu on the left wing. Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright will keep their spots in the back three for the match at Optus Stadium.
Western Force number nine Nic White will make his first start of the 2024 campaign, pairing with Noah Lolesio in the halves for the seventh time at the international level.
Angus Blyth, a junior from Casuarina Beach, returns to the matchday 23 and will join Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. The back row remains unchanged from last weekend, with Rob Valetini, Perth native Carlo Tizzano, and Harry Wilson making up the loose forward trio. The midfield also stays the same, featuring Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau in the centres.
Replacement loosehead prop James Slipper is poised to make history in his 138th Test, moving one step closer to becoming the most capped Wallaby of all time, just one cap shy of George Gregan’s record of 139. His Brumbies teammate Billy Pollard will serve as the substitute hooker, with Zane Nonggorr as the tighthead prop.
Queensland’s Seru Uru is in line for his Test debut, named on the bench as forward cover alongside Bathurst’s Tom Hooper. Reds co-captain Tate McDermott and Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson have been selected as the replacement halves pairing, while Max Jorgensen could also make his Wallabies debut on Saturday evening.
This matchday 23 features three players—Angus Bell, Max Jorgensen, and Josh Nasser—who are sons of former Wallabies, highlighting the rich heritage of rugby talent in the team.
