Recall for No 8 Harry Wilson as Wallabies make two changes for Eden Park test
The Wallabies have recalled fit-again lock Cadeyrn Neville and number eight Harry Wilson as they prepare for the toughest test in rugby: the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Dave Rennie's side head to Auckland on Saturday with the Bledisloe Cup lost for another year, but with a big say in the outcome of the Rugby Championship.
Rennie has made no changes to Australia's backs, meaning Bernard Foley stays at 10 after last week's rollercoaster 39-37 loss to the All Blacks in Melbourne.
Neville and Wilson come into the forward line, with Matt Philip and Rob Leota (achilles) dropping out due to injury.
"It's great to have Cadeyrn available and Harry's been working really hard to earn another opportunity in the gold jersey, so we're excited for both of them," Rennie said.
"The side parked the disappointment of the last Test early in the week and we have plenty to play for in Auckland on Saturday night.
"New Zealand supporters have an expectation that the All Blacks win at Eden Park and we're excited to get another crack at them at their spiritual home."
To accommodate Wilson, Rob Valentini - another strong performer in Melbourne - moves to blindside flanker.
James Slipper, continuing as captain in Michael Hooper's absence, will lead the Wallabies for the first time at Eden Park, where Australia have not beaten the All Blacks in 36 years.
Darcy Swain, a substitute last week, will miss out after copping a six-week ban from Sanzaar for an illegal cleanout on Quinn Tupaea.
Tupaea suffered a serious knee injury in the tackle, which the disciplinary committee deemed unintentional but highly reckless.
Australia's two changes compare favourably to the All Blacks unsettledness, with coach Ian Foster making five changes to his run-on side.
WALLABIES XV: Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson, Pete Samu, Rob Valentini, Cadeyrn Neville, Jed Holloway, Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper (c). Reserves: Folau Fainga'a, Angus Bell, Pone Fa'amausili, Nick Frost, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia.
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I appreciate this but you can see from the comments here the love in between NZ-SA where real respect lies. NZ detest Ireland since the series loss inventing narratives of arrogance and conspiracy theories about TMOs. Rugby Union is a Global Mickey Mouse game compared to soccer for example. Nations need to have a more friendly generous outlook towards each other.
Go to commentsFrance will turn up. If the bounce goes their way it will be a big win: like NZ and SA inflicted earlier.
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