Cooper to pivot Wallabies against England
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan-based playmaker Quade Cooper will form an experienced halfback combination with Nic White for Australia’s series opener against England in Perth on Saturday.
The duo will reignite their halves partnership for the first time since leading the Wallabies to five straight Test wins in 2021.
Fello Japan-based back, Samu Kerevi will return at inside centre to link with the fleet-footed Len Ikitau in the midfield, who will start his tenth straight Test at outside centre.
2020 John Eales Medallist, Marika Koroibete has also been selected to make his International return on the left wing, with last year’s Rookie of the Year and top try-scorer Andrew Kellaway named on the right edge. Brumbies speedster Tom Banks will start at fullback.
#⃣SPOTLIGHT: @wallabies coach Dave Rennie isn’t being sucked into a false sense of security by @EnglandRugby‘s recent underwhelming form ahead of the first #Test in Perth on #Saturday #Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍#AUSvENG 🇦🇺V🏴https://t.co/xYFp87WFnP pic.twitter.com/zlMJsH0DDG
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) June 29, 2022
In the pack, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named David Porecki and Cadeyrn Neville to make their Test debuts.
Neville will become the third oldest Wallabies debutant since World War II, when at 33 years and 235 days, he partners club teammate Darcy Swain in the second row.
Waratahs rake Porecki will complete his unique journey to his first Wallaby jersey, spending five years in the UK before returning to Australia in 2020 and cementing a spot in the NSW front row.
He joins his Super Rugby teammate Angus Bell in the front row, who will start at loosehead prop, with Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa to play his 54th Test at tighthead.
Michael Hooper will skipper the side for the 66th time in the familiar number seven jersey, combining with incumbent backrowers Rob Leota and Rob Valetini, who start at blindside flank and number eight respectively.
After putting pen to paper to join the Western Force this week, Folau Fainga’a is the finishing hooker, with his former Brumbies teammate Scott Sio the replacement loosehead prop.
114-Test capped prop James Slipper returns to where it all began after making his Test debut against England in Perth back in 2010, named to cover tighthead after Taniela Tupou failed to overcome a calf injury in time for the opening Test of the eToro England Series.
Melbourne vice-captain Matt Philip is the reserve lock, with the versatile Pete Samu named as the backrow cover.
NSW skipper Jake Gordon has edged out Tate McDermott for the finishing scrumhalf position, with Noah Lolesio’s Super Rugby form rewarded, selected as the backup playmaker. Queensland Reds outside back Jordan Petaia rounds out the matchday 23.
The England Series marks the first time the visitors have toured Australia since 2016, with the sides to meet in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over the next three weekends.
Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nick White, 8 Rob Valentini, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Scott Sio, 18 James Slipper, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Noah Lolesio, 23 Jordan Petaia.
Date: Saturday, July 2
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.55 (10.55 UK time; 09.55 GMT)
Referee: James Doleman (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU) & Craig Evans (WRU)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (NZR)
