Bledisloe Cup Rugby: Wallabies James O’Connor’s top five discarded as Dave Rennie makes seven changes for All Blacks clash in Sydney

The Wallabies have taken a big hit with No. 10 James O’Connor injured in their Bledisloe Cup life-and-death matchup against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday.

O’Connor, who barely trained during the week for the Australians, was ruled out with a knee injury, meaning 20-year-old Noah Lolesio makes his debut in the top five.

The injury blow comes after Matt To’omua suffered a groin injury in the second round in Auckland, which has seen center Irae Simone also make his debut with Dave Rennie’s team.

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Rennie has made five changes to his starting side and two more to his bench, with Reds duo Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott also set to make their testing debut.

“It’s really exciting to be able to name four more rookies to the team this week,” Rennie said.

“Noah and Irae have played a lot of football together and we have no doubt that they are ready to make the move to test rugby.”

“Tate and Fraser have had great Super Rugby seasons and have impressed in practice over the last month,” added Rennie.

The Wallabies will wear their First Nations jersey on Saturday, just the second time since they debuted the kit in their famous win in Brisbane in 2017.

“It is an especially meaningful night for us with the opportunity to represent and celebrate our First Nations people by wearing the indigenous jersey on our home soil in front of our Wallabies family,” Rennie said.

“We know New Zealand will present another tough challenge, but we have prepared well and will be ready to play on Saturday night.”

Wallabies Team: James Slipper, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (c), Harry Wilson, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Marika Koroibete, Irae Simone, Jordan Petaia, Filipo Daugunu, Dane Haylett-Petty

Bookings: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Reece Hodge, Hunter Paisami