Wilson to start as Wallabies confirm side for second Bledisloe Test

Thu, Sep 22, 2022, 2:42 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has spoken to media after announcing his team for Saturday's Auckland Bledisloe.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has recalled backrower Harry Wilson for the second Bledisloe Test against the All Blacks in Auckland.

Wilson last played against England in Sydney, reverting to his favoured number eight.

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This pushes Rob Valetini to blindside flanker, with Rob Leota (Achilles) ruled out for the rest of the season.

He is joined by Cadeyrn Neville, who has fully recovered from a knee injury as he partners Jed Holloway in the second-row following a sternum injury to Matt Philip.

“It's great to have Cadeyrn available and Harry's been working really hard to earn another opportunity in the gold jersey, so we're excited for both of them," Rennie said in a statement.

"The side parked the disappointment of the last Test early in the week and we have plenty to play for in Auckland on Saturday night."

The backline remains unchanged, with Jake Gordon and Bernard Foley once again combining in the halves.

Waratahs prop Angus Bell will make his first appearance of this year's Rugby Championship, selected on the bench.

Bell was ruled out of the Argentina tour with a toe injury, joined by Folau Fainga'a and Pone Fa'amausili with Taniela Tupou still overcoming a calf injury.

Nick Frost has been elevated to the bench after Darcy Swain's suspension, with Swain set to miss six weeks.

Nic White, Reece Hodge and Jordan Petaia round out the bench as the Wallabies look to bounce back from last week's thrilling defeat in Melbourne.

They currently sit third on the Rugby Championship ladder and will be looking for their first win over the All Blacks in Auckland since 1986.

"New Zealand supporters have an expectation that the All Blacks win at Eden Park and we're excited to get another crack at them at their spiritual home," Rennie added.

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday 24 September, 7:05pm NZST/5:05pm AEST

1.James Slipper (c) (122 Tests)

2. David Porecki (6 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (59 Tests)

4. Jed Holloway (5 Tests)

5. Cadeyrn Neville (2 Tests)

6. Rob Valetini (26 Tests)

7. Pete Samu (27 Tests)

8. Harry Wilson (11 Tests)

9. Jake Gordon (15 Tests)

10. Bernard Foley (72 Tests)

11. Marika Koroibete (50 Tests)

12. Lalakai Foketi (3 Tests)

13. Len Ikitau (20 Tests)

14. Tom Wright (17 Tests)

15. Andrew Kellaway (17 Tests)

Replacements

16. Folau Fainga’a (32 Tests)

17. Angus Bell (19 Tests)

18. Pone Fa’amausili (2 Tests)

19. Nick Frost (4 Tests)

20. Fraser McReight (7 Tests)

21. Nic White (55 Tests)

22. Reece Hodge (59 Tests)

23. Jordan Petaia (21 Tests)

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