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O'Connor among a mass of Wallabies changes for Pumas
By AAP
Veteran James O'Connor will start at five-eighth among a raft of changes to the Wallabies following another disrupted build-up ahead of their second Rugby Championship Test against Argentina.
The Australians will take on the wounded Pumas in San Juan on Sunday morning (AEST) looking to back up last week's 41-26 victory.
Leading up to that opening Test they lost skipper Michael Hooper (mental health) and hooker Dave Porecki (concussion) while veteran playmaker Quade Cooper ruptured his Achilles during the game.
Ahead of this clash Hunter Paisami has been ruled out after a head knock, with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie naming Waratahs centre Lalakai Foketi for his second Test appearance.
He will start at 12, with Len Ikitau returning at outside centre.
The inexperience of Foketi has led Rennie to opt for the cool head of 63-Test veteran O'Connor ahead of youngster Noah Lolesio, who wore the 10 jersey through the recent England series.
Prop Alla n Alaalatoa became the fourth member from the Wallabies squad to fly home from Argentina following a family bereavement, with Taniela Tupou the starting tighthead.
"Giteau's Law" choice Rory Arnold, who has been based in France, will have his first start of the year in the second row, replacing Matt Philip.
Giant Melbourne enforcer Pone Fa'amausili has been named to make his Test debut from the bench.
Irae Simone, who was a late call-up to the squad and will head to France following the two-Test tour of Argentina, has been named on the bench for his third Test with Rennie adding an additional back.
Wallabies: Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, James O'Connor, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Jed Holloway, Darcy Swain, Rory Arnold, Taniela Tupou, Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper (c). Res: Lachlan Lonergan, Matt Gibbon; Pone Fa'amausili, Nick Frost, Pete Samu; Tate McDermott, Irae Simone, Reece Hodge.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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