Hooper recalled as Wallabies make five changes for tour opener

Dave Rennie has made five changes to his Australia team for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series game versus Scotland following the September 24 Rugby Championship loss to New Zealand in Auckland. Two of the changes are in the pack, including a recall for Wallabies Test centurion Michael Hooper following his break for mental health reasons since the July series versus England.

Hooper is chosen in the Wallabies pack along with lock Nick Frost, with Pete Samu and Harry Wilson stepping out. Jed Holloway, who was at second row at Eden Park, has been shifted to blindside to accommodate the inclusion of Frost, who is starting for just the second time.

In the back, Tate McDermott has been handed his first start of 2022 in place of Jake Gordon, Tom Banks is picked at full-back and Hunter Paisami at centre instead of Marika Koroibete and Lalakai Foketi. James Slipper will captain the side.

On the bench, Queensland full-back Jock Campbell is in line to become Wallaby number 959 as the uncapped rookie has been named to provide back three cover.

Wallabies boss Rennie said: “We are rapt for Michael Hooper. He has been outstanding both on and off the field since re-entering the environment and he can’t wait to pull on the gold jersey again.

“Likewise for Tate who has been working really hard and deserves his opportunity to start, while Tom has shown resilience to come back from another serious injury to earn his spot in the team. We have had a great preparation over the past week or so and we will head to Murrayfield excited by the challenge Scotland will pose on Saturday.”

Australia (vs Scotland, Saturday)

1. James Slipper (c) (123 Tests)

2. David Porecki (7 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (60 Tests)

4. Nick Frost (5 Tests)

5. Cadeyrn Neville (3 Tests)

6. Jed Holloway (6 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (121 Tests)

8. Rob Valetini (27 Tests)

9. Tate McDermott (18 Tests)

10. Bernard Foley (73 Tests)

11. Tom Wright (18 Tests)

12. Hunter Paisami (20 Tests)

13. Len Ikitau (21 Tests)

14. Andrew Kellaway (18 Tests)

15. Tom Banks (20 Tests)

Replacements:

16. Folau Fainga’a (33 Tests)

17. Matt Gibbon (2 Tests)

18. Taniela Tupou (43 Tests)

19. Ned Hanigan (25 Tests)

20. Pete Samu (28 Tests)

21. Nic White (56 Tests)

22. Noah Lolesio (14 Tests)

23. Jock Campbell*

*denotes potential Test debut