Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named Dylan Pietsch to start on the wing as he confirms his side to face the All Blacks in Saturday’s second Bledisloe Test in Wellington.
Pietsch steps into the starting lineup due to a wrist injury to Marika Koroibete, while Jake Gordon returns to the squad as Australia aims to break a 23-year winless streak in New Zealand.
The Wallabies will face a significant experience gap with the absence of Koroibete, Nic White, and James Slipper, who is sidelined due to a head knock sustained in Sydney.
The starting team has a combined 394 Test caps, with Taniela Tupou being the only player boasting more than 50.
For the first time since the opening match of last year’s Rugby World Cup, Australia has named an unchanged forward pack.
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The continuity in the forwards includes front-row replacements Isaac Kailea, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and Allan Alaalatoa. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Langi Gleeson also feature on the bench.
In the backline, Gordon will partner with Noah Lolesio at halfback, marking the 31-year-old’s return to the starting XV.
Action between Springboks and Wallabies. PHOTO/Springboks rugby/You Tube
This shift sees Tate McDermott revert to a bench role. Ben Donaldson takes Tom Lynagh’s place as the reserve fly-half, while Reds utility Josh Flook rounds out the replacements, providing additional backline cover.
Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Sky Stadium in Wellington
- Angus Bell (32 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
- Matt Faessler (11 Tests) – USQ Saints
- Taniela Tupou (55 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
- Nick Frost (20 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
- Jeremy Williams (7 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
- Rob Valetini (47 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
- Fraser McReight (21 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Harry Wilson (c) (18 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
- Jake Gordon (26 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
- Noah Lolesio (24 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
- Dylan Pietsch (3 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms
- Hunter Paisami (30 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
- Len Ikitau (34 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
- Andrew Kellaway (34 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
- Tom Wright (32 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Replacments
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa (15 Tests) – Southern Districts
- Isaac Kailea (5 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
- Allan Alaalatoa (75 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (36 Tests) – Randwick
- Langi Gleeson (8 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
- Tate McDermott (36 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
- Ben Donaldson (12 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
- Josh Flook (3 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
