Banks, Faingaa called up for debuts as Wallabies ring the changes

Thu, Aug 23, 2018, 2:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has responded to a disappointing set piece last weekend, starting two new props in, Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio. Their Brumbies teammates Folau Faingaa and Tom Banks both named on the bench for potential debuts.

Brumbies duo Folau Faingaa and Tom Banks are in line to make their Wallabies debuts in a second Test team featuring an overhauled front-row and Jack Maddocks' elevation to the starting team.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named four changes to his side for the second Test against New Zealand in Auckland, with Scott Sio returning from injury and Allan Alalaatoa also promoted to the starting front row.

The Brumbies pair have replaced Tom Robertson and Sekope Kepu, who drop back to the bench after starting in the first Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney.

Rising Reds prop Taniela Tupou was not included on the bench after failing to overcome a hamstring injury picked up in the lead-up to the first Test.

In the backs, an ankle injury to fullback Israel Folau has also forced a re-shuffle, with Dane Haylett-Petty moved to the No. 15 jersey and Maddocks given the job of starting wing.Tom Banks is in line for a Wallabies debut. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyThe young Rebel made his Test debut and scored a try at ANZ Stadium last weekend.

Cheika has also given Faingaa and Banks the chance to make their debuts at Eden Park by naming the pair on the reserves bench.

Banks has been an excitement machine at fullback for the Brumbies this season and was the star performer in the Wallabies' trial match against the Super Rugby selection at Leichhardt Oval.

The likely debut of Faingaa caps a remarkable year for the 23-year-old, after only making his debut for the Brumbies this year. He was signed by ACT on a one-year EPS deal but now finds himself on the verge of playing against the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Faingaa comes into the side at the expense of Tolu Latu, whose poor throwing contributed to the Wallabies' lineout losing eight on their throw last weekend.

The Wallabies face the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday, kicking off at 5:35pm AEST, 7:35pm local, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Channel Ten. The Wallaroos are taking on the Black Ferns at 3pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

TEAM

IN: Tom Banks, Folau Faingaa, Scott Sio

OUT: Israel Folau, Tolu Latu, Jermaine Ainsley

Wallabies to take on the All Blacks

1. Scott Sio (46 Tests)

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (83 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (24 Tests)

4. Izack Rodda (8 Tests)

5. Adam Coleman (24 Tests)

6. Lukhan Tui (8 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (83 Tests)

8. David Pocock (70 Tests)

9. Will Genia (91 Tests)

10. Bernard Foley (59 Tests)

11. Marika Koroibete (12 Tests)

12. Kurtley Beale (75 Tests)

13. Reece Hodge (28 Tests)

14. Jack Maddocks (1 Test)

15. Dane Haylett-Petty (22 Tests)

Reserves

16. Folau Faingaa*

17. Tom Robertson (22 Tests)

18. Sekope Kepu (95 Tests)

19. Rob Simmons (86 Tests)

20. Pete Samu (4 Tests)

21. Nick Phipps (65 Tests)

22. Matt Toomua (34 Tests)

23. Tom Banks*

*denotes uncapped

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