Big names return for Wallabies' must-win Bledisloe clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Recalling Marika Koroibete for the Wallabies’ must-win Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks was a no-brainer for Dave Rennie.
Dropped last week after a late-night drinking session with teammates Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa’amausili, Koroibete replaces Jordan Petaia with the series on the line after a first-up 25-33 loss in Auckland.
“He was pretty down on Saturday. It was a tough watch for him,” Rennie said, admitting he had no hesitation slotting 2019 John Eales Medallist Koroibete straight back in the starting team.
“He knows he’s let himself and his team down and he wants to make up for that.
“He’s not a big talker. He’ll speak with his actions on the weekend.”
Rennie is backing Koroibete to offer the Wallabies “a point of difference” when they return to Eden Park needing their first victory at the All Blacks’ fortress since 1986 to force a series decider later this month in Perth.
“He’s right up there as far as elite rugby players in the world,” Rennie said.
“He’s obviously incredibly quick, very physical. He’s not a big man but he’s made of concrete.
“So he hits hard and carries hard. A phenomenal work ethic and work rate.
“You’ll see a lot of his kick sprints and ability to get back from a counter perspective. His high-speed running numbers are outrageous.”
The Wallabies have also recalled Matt Toomua, Matt Philip and Lachlan Swinton to provide leadership and an aggressive edge to the forward pack.
Replacing Len Ikitau in the centres, Toomua’s experience will be vital to the midfield after he impressed off the bench last Saturday.
“His voice is really crucial and to have him among a couple of other backs was important,” Rennie said.
“He’s certainly given that at training: he’s spoken well and led well and we just want him to be really assertive.”
Philip will partner Darcy Swain in their first Test start together in the second row, while Swinton’s inclusion at openside flank has forced a reshuffle of the loose forwards with Rob Valetini moving to No.8.
The young halves pairing of Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio get another chance to build on their combination, with Hunter Paisami moving to outside centre to partner No.12 Toomua.
Nic White returns from injury to take over from Jake Gordon as the reserve halfback while the versatile Reece Hodge will again be among the bench options.
The match doubles as the start of the 2021 Rugby Championship.
Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Matt Phillip, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Harry Wilson, 21 Nic White, 22 Len Ikitau, 23 Reece Hodge.
Date: Saturday, August 14
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.05 (17.05 AEST; 07.05 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, Mike Fraser
TMO: Glenn Newman
