Injuries and suspension saw the Wallabies make seven changes in their match 23 for Saturday’s pivotal second Test against England. The fit Taniela Tupou and defenders Tom Wright and Hunter Paisamy return to the starting line-up, with Jordan Petaya and Matt Phillip promoted from the bench.
Tupou, also known as the “Tongan Thor”, has recovered from a calf problem to fill the gap left by Allan Alaalatoa’s concussion in the first Test, while Wright will replace Andrew Kellaway, who has damaged a tendon. Petaya takes over from Tom Banks, who broke his arm in Australia’s 32-30 win in Perth, and Paisamy is ahead of Len Ikitau in the midfield. Phillip will replace Darcy Swain, who was sent off last weekend and subsequently suspended for two weeks.
With Quaid Cooper also ruling out the possibility of a calf strain in last Saturday’s warm-up, youngster Noah Lolesio will continue as the starting fly-half. On the bench, Nick Frost is in line to make his Test debut, while Isaiah Perese is another addition. James O’Connor will be the substitute who was called up just before kick-off last week.
It leaves captain Michael Hooper as the only Wallaby starter with more than 50 Test caps, although Tupou’s return will boost Australia’s dynamism in the front row. “It’s great to have Taniella back this week and he’s extremely excited to pull on the gold jersey in his hometown,” said head coach Dave Rennie. “Geordie is also looking forward to the opportunity at full-back and of course it will be a proud night for Nick and his family for his test debut.
Australia have won their last 10 Tests in Brisbane, with England the last team to beat them at Suncorp Stadium in 2016. Saturday’s match will be the 100th Test played in Brisbane, where a win would give the Wallabies a piece of history as the first team to win the Ella-Mobbs Cup. The host will also wear a specially designed First Nations jersey and sing the national anthem in the Yugambe language.
Australia (vs England, Saturday): Petaya; Wright, Paisami, Kerevi, Koroibete; Lolezio, White; Bell, Porecchi, Tupou, Philip, Neville, Leota, Hooper (captain), Valletini.
Subs: Fainga’a, Sio, Slipper, Frost, Samu, Gordon, O’Connor, Perese.
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