Schmidt reveals his hand for Bok clash in Perth
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby head coach Joe Schmidt has revealed his team to face the Springboks in their Rugby Championship Round Two clash.
Loosehead prop Angus Bell will make his return from injury against South Africa in Perth on Saturday.
He’ll combine with his 2019 Under-20 teammate Josh Nasser, who earns his first Test start at hooker and captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
Two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete also makes his return to the gold jersey, replacing the injured Filipo Daugunu on the left edge, with Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright retaining their places in the back three for the clash at Perth Stadium.
Western Force No.9 Nic White earns his first start of the squad’s 2024 campaign, combining with flyhalf Noah Lolesio for the seventh time at international level.
Angus Blyth returns to the matchday 23, joining Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, while the back row remains unchanged from last weekend with Rob Valetini, Perth product Carlo Tizzano and Harry Wilson the loose forward trio.
The midfield also remains unchanged with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau named in the centres.
Replacement loosehead prop James Slipper will take a step closer to becoming the most capped Wallaby of all time in what will be his 138th Test, leaving him just one short of George Gregan’s record of 139.
His Brumbies teammate Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr are the substitute hooker and tighthead respectively.
Queensland’s Seru Uru is in line for a Test debut, named on the bench as forward cover alongside Tom Hooper.
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Reds co-captain Tate McDermott and Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson have been selected as the replacement halfback pairing while Max Jorgensen is another set for a potential Wallabies debut on Saturday.
“There’s some continuity and freshness in this team after a very physical test last weekend,” said Schmidt.
“The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week. The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday.”
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.
Date: Saturday, August 17
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.45 (11.45 SA time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
