Wallabies star to challenge sanction as Kiss reveals squad for All Blacks Test
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A question mark remains over centre Hunter Paisami as Les Kiss unveiled his 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks in Auckland.
Paisami is challenging a dangerous tackle sanction in front of the SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee.
The 28-year-old’s head and shoulder connected with the face of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu just a moment after the Springbok back had dished off a pass.
He received a yellow card for that foul play.
According to reports, the centre received a four-match ban, but he will now appeal the decision.
Jock Campbell is on standby if Paisami’s appeal fails, while another Queenslander, the versatile Filipo Daugunu, has also been recalled after fully recovering from a minor knee issue.
Meanwhile, game-breaking centre Len Ikitau has been included in the Wallabies’ Bledisloe Cup squad, bolstering hopes of a breakthrough series win over the All Blacks.
Ikitau, who scored two tries in Australia’s gutsy win over the world champion Springboks last Sunday, appeared unlikely to play after limping off with an ankle injury.
But the reigning John Eales medallist has been included in a 34-man squad that will travel to Auckland for the October 10 match, with the second Test a week later in Sydney.
Australia’s squad includes a debutant in 22-year-old forward Toby Macpherson, who made his Super Rugby Pacific debut this season, playing 10 matches for the Brumbies.
The former Australian Under-20s captain, who hails from Queensland border town Goondiwindi, replaces Tom Hooper in the squad.
With the Test falling outside the international window, Hooper has returned to his UK club while prop Taniela Tupou is back in France with Massimo de Lutiis his replacement.
Nick Frost has been called in as injury cover for Josh Canham, who is still managing a minor hamstring strain picked up at training in Perth.
Despite the Wallabies’ impressive recent form – unbeaten in five Tests under new coach Les Kiss – they will be rank outsiders at Eden Park.
Now coached by former Wallabies mentor Dave Rennie, New Zealand haven’t lost to Australia at Eden Park since 1986, or to any other Test side since 1994.
With only two matches in the series, if the Wallabies lose there, the All Blacks retain the Cup for a 24th consecutive year.
Kiss said he was happy to mostly keep continuity in his playing group for the formidable battle.
“It’s pleasing to keep the core of our squad together for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand,” he said.
“They’re a motivated playing group who take pride in representing the gold jersey and each other, but we know Auckland is a huge challenge that will demand we be at our best.”
Wallabies: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright
Additional reporting: AAP
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