Late change for Wallabies in Brisbane

Fri, Jun 8, 2018, 4:04 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Allan Alaalatoa has been ruled out of the first Test. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Allan Alaalatoa has been ruled out of the first Test. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

The Wallabies have been forced into a late change in Brisbane, with prop Tom Robertson coming onto the bench for the first Ireland Test.

Allan Alaalatoa was initally named in the side to face the Irish at Suncorp, but the Brumbies prop copped a knock to his ankle in Thursday's training.

On Friday morning, the Wallabies made the call to switch Waratahs prop Robertson in for Alaalatoa on the eve of the Test.

"He hurt his ankle yesterday, unfortunately," captain Michael Hooper said.

"It's sport - he's had such a good prep all week and has been strong in the scrum - unfortunately for Al he's just hurt his ankle.

"It's not bad but he couldn't get a fitness test done for tomorrow so someone like Tom steps in, who has actually been playing outstanding for the Waratahs."

Robertson's inclusion means Brisbane will be his first Test appearance since last year's clash with England at Twickenham.

The Wallabies take on Ireland in a three-Test series kicking off at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday June 9, at 8:05pm AEST. Buy tickets here.

TEAM

1. Scott Sio (43 Tests)

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa*

3. Sekope Kepu (91 Tests)

4. Izack Rodda (4 Tests)

5. Adam Coleman (20 Tests)

6. David Pocock (66 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (79 Tests)

8. Caleb Timu*

9. Will Genia (88 Tests)

10. Bernard Foley (55 Tests)

11. Dane Haylett-Petty (18 Tests)

12. Kurtley Beale (71 Tests)

13. Samu Kerevi (18 Tests)

14. Marika Koroibete (8 Tests)

15. Israel Folau (62 Tests)

Reserves

16. Tolu Latu (4 Tests)

17. Tom Robertson (18 Tests)

18. Taniela Tupou (1 Test)

19. Rob Simmons (82 Tests)

20. Lukhan Tui (4 Tests)

21. Pete Samu*

22. Nick Phipps (61 Tests)

23. Reece Hodge (24 Tests)

*denotes uncapped

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