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Wallabies' halves merry-go-round continues as team to face All Blacks named
By Ben Smith
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has once again changed the halves pair as they prepare to take on the All Blacks in Sydney.
The Santa Fe starting pair Jake Gordon and Ben Donaldson have been replaced by the Perth No 9 and 10 combination, Nic White and Noah Lolesio. Reds pair Tom Lynagh and Tate McDermott have been named on the bench.
In another surprise, hooker Brandon Paeaga-Amosa has been parachuted into the 23 directly from France from Montpellier. The former Reds hooker last played for Australia in 2021 and will deputise for Matt Faessler on the bench.
In a major boost for the Wallabies and only change to the forward pack, openside flanker Fraser McReight has been named to start with impressive upstart Carlo Tizzano making way for the Reds star.
The tight five remains unchanged with Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell forming the front row with Faessler and Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams forming the second row.
Wallabies team to take on the All Blacks:
1. Angus Bell (31 Tests)
2. Matt Faessler (10 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (54 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (19 Tests)
5. Jeremy Williams (6 Tests)
6. Rob Valetini (46 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (20 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (c) (17 Tests)
9. Nic White (69 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (23 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (62 Tests)
12. Hunter Paisami (29 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (33 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (33 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (31 Tests)
Reserves
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (14 Tests)
17. James Slipper (139 Tests)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (74 Tests)
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (35 Tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (7 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (35 Tests)
22. Tom Lynagh (3 Tests)
23. Dylan Pietsch (2 Tests)
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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