The Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s selection for Saturday’s second test against the Springboks in Perth is boosted by the return of loosehead prop Angus Bell. The kick-off is at 11:45 SA time.
He has recovered from injury and will pack down with Josh Nasser who earns his first Test start at hooker and captain Allan Ala’alatoa in the front row.
Experienced wing Marika Koroibete also makes his return to the team, replacing the injured left wing Filipo Daugunu. Andrew Kellaway is on the right and retains his place with fullback Tom Wright .
Western Force scrumhalf Nic White, who has a bit of history for some of his actions in tests against South Africa, earns his first start in the Wallabies 2024 campaign. Flyhalf Noah Lolesio, for the seventh time, will be his halfback partner.
Angus Blyth will lock with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto while the looose forwards are unchanged: Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano and Harry Wilson form the loose forward trio.
Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau are retained as the centres.
- Sometimes captain and replacement loosehead prop James Slipper could get his 138th cap if called upon, just one test shy of George Gregan’s record of 139 tests.
The rest of the bench is Billy Pollard (hooker) and Zane Nonggorr (tighthead). Seru Uru and Tom Hooper are the other forwards on the bench.
Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott and Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson are the replacement halfback pairing and Max Jorgensen is another player set for a potential Wallabies debut.
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Ala’alatoa (capt.), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.
Kick-off: 11.45 SA time
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
