Wallabies names three rookies to start in Bledisloe Cup opener against All Blacks

2:35 am, October 09, 2020

Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has taken three of his young stars deeper internationally by handing them opening roles against the All Blacks in Wellington this Sunday.

The Queensland Reds trio, Harry Wilson, Filipo Daugunu and Hunter Paisami, have been named in the first starting XV of the Rennie era following outstanding Super Rugby AU campaigns for the big losing finalists.

The 20-year-old Wilson was arguably the best loose forward in the competition, causing chaos on both sides of the ball at No. 8, but has instead been named as a blind-side flank for this game.

Daugunu, the 25-year-old Fijian winger who has qualified for the Wallabies through residency, will join him to make his tryouts debut and has shown great attacking promise since making his first-class debut in Australia three years ago. years.

As for Paisami, the 22-year-old midfielder’s promotion to the Australian national team represents a quick change in fortunes after being dumped by the Melbourne Rebels just 18 months ago.

Taking a lifeline from the Reds, the hard-hitting young man has seized his new opportunity with both hands, performing well enough to deserve a spot on the sidelines despite his comparatively lesser-known status.

Starting with the No. 13 jersey, Paisami’s presence on the starting side means Jordan Petaia, a single-round Reds coach, will not be on the team after sustaining a hip injury in the final loss. Super Rugby AU against the Brumbies.

Instead, Paisami will partner in midfield with veteran star Matt To’omua, who takes the number 12 jersey and will form an experienced playmaking hub with starting midfielder James O’Connor.

By also selecting Nic White as the starting running back, it appears Rennie has opted for experience over youth in those key positions, with players like Brumbies center Noah Lolesio being denied a starting role despite his good shape.

Instead, the capless 20-year-old will make his first test appearance from the bench as the only rookie among the reserves.

Last year’s John Eales medal winner Marika Koroibete starts on the left flank alongside Brumbies fullback Tom Banks, who is called up again after missing the World Cup to complete the baseline.

the #Wallabies are preparing to play against a #All the black people side that is run by the park by Richie Mo’unga. #BledisloeCuphttps://t.co/rasvLGXoQT

– RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 8, 2020

Up front, loose-headed mainstay James Slipper continues to approach his 100th test, with Rennie naming him No. 1 after a flashy campaign with the Brumbies.

The 96-trial stalwart will join the successful Taniela Tupou as the team’s props, while the shot-scoring machine Folau Fainga’a will start hooker.

There’s a new look to the second row as the red Lukhan Salakaia-Loto padlock and Rebel star Matt Philip will be paired in Australian colors for the first time.

Wilson, meanwhile, will be joined by Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and destructive Brumbies forward Pete Samu in the back row.

Joining Lolesio at the handstand are a number of seasoned figures and fit stars, with utility runner Reece Hodge, padlock Rob Simmons, Brumbies props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa, and hooker Jordan Uelese, all returning from the World Cup team.

Otherwise, the Brumbies will lose forward Rob Valetini and Waratahs running back Jake Gordon will hope to add to each of their only test matches.

Wallabies face to face with All Blacks:

1. James Slipper, 2. Sailor Fainga’a, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Harry Wilson, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Nic White, 10 James O’Connor, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Matt To’omua, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Philip Daugunu, 15. Tom Banks.

Bookings: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Allan Alaalatoa, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Rob Valetini, 21. Jake Gordon, 22. Noah Lolesio, 23. Reece Hodge