Schmidt reveals his Wallaby playmaker as Slipper creates history
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: James Slipper will become the first Wallaby player to notch 150 Tests when the veteran prop lines up in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup blockbuster against New Zealand in Auckland.
Having made his international debut as a 21-year-old in 2010, Slipper already holds the record as the most-capped prop in Test rugby history.
The 36-year-old will join Welshman Alun Wyn Jones and New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock to become just the third player to reach the milestone of 150 Tests.
Slipper will line up alongside hooker Billy Pollard and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou in the run-on front row for Saturday’s clash, which doubles as a Rugby Championship encounter.
Prop Allan Alaalatoa has been named on the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Scrumhalf Tate McDermott, who replaces the now-retired Nic White in the starting side, will bring up his 50-Test milestone.
McDermott will partner James O’Connor in the halves.
O’Connor flew to England last week to link up with his new club Leicester, but flew back to link up with the Wallabies in New Zealand after being called up again by coach Joe Schmidt.
Canberra’s Ryan Lonergan has been selected for a potential Test debut as the replacement scrumhalf, with Tane Edmed the reserve flyhalf.
Max Jorgensen has been named at fullback after Andrew Kellaway injured his calf at training.
Kellaway’s injury comes on top of the Wallabies losing star fullback Tom Wright to an ACL in August.
Star loose forward Rob Valetini was ruled out of this week’s clash with calf tightness.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has earned his first start for the year, selected alongside Nick Frost in the run-on second row.
Wing Harry Potter also makes his return to the starting side.
All four teams in the Rugby Championship currently boast 2-2 records, but Australia sit on top after collecting three bonus points from their four games to date.
After facing the All Blacks in Auckland, the Wallabies host New Zealand in Perth next week.
Australia: 15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Corey Toole, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Date: Saturday, September 27
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 AEST; 05.05 GMT)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Morne Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
