Alaalatoa, Kellaway return as Wallabies welcome back stars for Springboks clash

Thu, Aug 25, 2022, 2:57 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies travelled to San Juan to face the Pumas in the second round of the TRC.

Allan Alaalatoa and Andrew Kellaway are amongst a host of stars named for their return as Wallabies coach Dave Rennie names his side to face South Africa in Adelaide.

Alaalatoa will start at tighthead prop after missing the defeat to Argentina due to a family bereavement, joined by the returning Folau Fainga'a (concussion) and captain James Slipper.

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Lock Matt Philip also earns a call-up, partnering Rory Arnold to complete the tight-five.

Meanwhile, Kellaway will make his return via the bench after overcoming a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the past four Tests.

Rennie has gone with a 6-2 split to combat South Africa's 'Bomb Squad', with Kellaway and Tate McDermott the lone backs on the bench.

They are joined by the returning Dave Porecki (concussion) and Scott Sio (neck), with Taniela Tupou to inject energy off the bench.

“It's great to have a number of experienced players back in the mix this weekend," Rennie said in a statement.

"We understand that respect is earned daily and we get an opportunity to earn it against the current World Champions on Saturday afternoon."

In further changes, Reece Hodge has been elevated to fullback, pushing Tom Wright to the wing.

Hodge started in the final Test against England in Sydney, with Marika Koroibete rounding out the back three.

Noah Lolesio has won the race to the vacant flyhalf position, partnering with club teammate Nic White whilst Reds inside centre Hunter Paisami reunites with Len Ikitau after he missed the previous Test due to a head knock.

The Wallabies will play in Adelaide for the first time since 2004 as part of a double-header with the Wallaroos and Black Ferns.

"It's really motivating to be back at home in front of our supporters, especially in Adelaide, a place we haven't played at in 18 years," Rennie added.

Wallabies team to play South Africa at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Saturday 27 August, 3:00pm ACST
  1. James Slipper (c) (119 Tests)
  2. Folau Fainga’a (29 Tests)
  3. Allan Alaalatoa (56 Tests)
  4. Rory Arnold (30 Tests)
  5. Matt Philip (24 Tests)
  6. Jed Holloway (2 Tests)
  7. Fraser McReight (4 Tests)
  8. Rob Valetini (23 Tests)
  9. Nic White (52 Tests)
  10. Noah Lolesio (12 Tests)
  11. Marika Koroibete (47 Tests)
  12. Hunter Paisami (18 Tests)
  13. Len Ikitau (17 Tests)
  14. Tom Wright (14 Tests)
  15. Reece Hodge (57 Tests) Replacements
  16. David Porecki (3 Tests)
  17. Scott Sio (71 Tests)
  18. Taniela Tupou (42 Tests)
  19. Darcy Swain (13 Tests)
  20. Rob Leota (10 Tests)
  21. Pete Samu (24 Tests)
  22. Tate McDermott (17 Tests)
  23. Andrew Kellaway (14 Tests)

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