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Quade Cooper misses out as Jordan Petaia named for Wallabies return
By AAP
Veteran Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has missed out on a spot in the match-day squad for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named an all-new back three for the match, with the entire backline featuring a combined experience of just 45 tests.
Noah Lolesio retains his spot at No 10 after his strong displays in the 2-1 series win over France, while Queensland Reds half Tate McDermott earns his second start at test level.
Superstar winger Marika Koroibete was among three Wallabies players scrubbed out of the match after leaving teammates filthy over a late-night drinking session last week.
Jordan Petaia has been named on the right wing for his first international of 2021, with Andrew Kellaway earning his debut start on the left wing.
Tom Banks, who with 14 tests to his name is the most experienced player in the starting backline, has been named at fullback, with Hunter Paisami partnering Len Ikitau in the midfield.
Cooper was rushed into the 42-man travelling party last month after James O'Connor failed to recover from a groin injury.
The 33-year-old Coopers will serve mostly as a mentor during the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship series, but he's also keen to don the Wallabies gold for the first time since 2017.
He is a chance to earn some game time in next week's clash against NZ at Eden Park.
Koroibete and forwards Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa'amausili were ruled unavailable for the series opener for breaching team protocol by continuing to consume alcohol more than two hours after curfew, following a bonding session in Auckland last Saturday.
Their actions angered their teammates at a moment where Australia are attempting to end a 35-year Eden Park hoodoo.
The run-on front row remains settled with James Slipper in line to play his 104th test at loosehead prop, joined by Brandon Paenga-Amosa at hooker and club teammate Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead.
After an impressive series against the French, youngster Darcy Swain will play in his first Bledisloe Cup test, combining with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row.
Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson return to the starting side at blindside flanker and no. 8 respectively.
Skipper Michael Hooper rounds out the back row in his 56th test as captain, just three behind most decorated Wallabies captain, George Gregan.
Wallabies: Tom Banks, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Darcy Swain, Allan Ala'alatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper. Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Matt Philip, Fraser McReight, Jake Gordon, Matt To'omua, Reece Hodge
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Latest Comments
Can we also show some love for Tane Edmed’s fantastic draw and pass? Put his body on the line and committed the defender before letting go of that pass. Flawless skill.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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