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Coach Dave Rennie has made four changes to the Wallabies team as they look to improve their draw in Sunday’s Bledisloe Cup showdown with the All Blacks in Auckland.
Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and blind end Ned Hanigan enter on the teeing side, while Queensland duo Liam Wright and Jordan Petaia are new faces on the bench for the Eden Park clash.
Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Dave Rennie has sought to bring together players from diverse backgrounds within the Wallabies team.
It will be Paenga-Amosa’s fifth test and the first against New Zealand, replacing Folau Fainga’a, who paid the price for the Wallabies’ stuttering lineout.
Hanigan will start at six, with Harry Wilson moving to number 8 and Pete Samu fired, while Wright has taken Rob Valetini’s place on the bench.
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The starting baseline remains unchanged, with Tom Banks clinging to the fullback jersey ahead of veteran Dane Haylett-Petty.
Breakthrough Petaia has overcome a hip injury, but Hunter Paisami has maintained his starting spot at centers.
Matt King / Getty Images
Lazy forward Ned Hanigan has entered the starting side for Pete Samu.
Rennie said he expected the All Blacks to raise up at Eden Park after the first 16-16 draw in Wellington.
“We know New Zealand will go up another notch this weekend, we are excited about the challenge ahead,” Rennie said.
“We’ve had great support at home and as a team we definitely feel that and it’s something we’ll build on Sunday afternoon.”
Wallabies: Tom Banks, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, James O’Connor, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Ned Hanigan, Matt Philip, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga -Amosa, James Slipper. Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Liam Wright, Jake Gordon, Jordan Petaia, Reece Hodge.
