Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has named his team to face South Africa, in the second round of the 2024 Rugby Championship. Australia are out for redemption after they were succumbed to a landslide 33-7 defeat to the Springboks in Brisbane last Saturday. Schmidt has reinforced his squad with two long awaited returns, as loose-head prop Angus Bell and powerhouse wing Marika Koroibete are back in the fold.
The stage is set for Bell in Perth, who has been given the green light to compete after suffering a foot injury, and having surgery back in May. Bell partners up with his former Australia U20s teammate Josh Nasser, with the hooker making his first Test start.
Marika Koroibete makes his return to the gold jersey, as he replaces the injured Filipo Daugunu on the left win. Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright retaining their places in the back three for the clash at Optus Stadium. Western Force number nine Nic White earns his first start of the squad’s 2024 season, to form a halfback partnership with Noah Lolesio.
The midfield also remains unchanged with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau named in the centres. Angus Blyth returns to the matchday 23, joining Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, while the back row remains unchanged from last weekend with Rob Valetini, Perth’s own Carlo Tizzano and Harry Wilson as the loose forward trio.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “There’s some continuity and freshness in this team after a very physical test last weekend.”
“The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week. The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday.”
Replacement loosehead prop James Slipper will take a step closer to becoming the most capped Wallaby of all time, in what will be his 138th Test. Slipper will just be one cap leaving short of George Gregan’s record of 139. His Brumbies teammate Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr are the substitute hooker and tight-head.
Queensland Reds loose froward Seru Uru is in line for a Test debut, named on the bench as alongside Bathurst’s own Tom Hooper. Reds co-captain Tate McDermott and Force fly half Ben Donaldson have been selected as the replacement halfback pairing, while Max Jorgensen is also set for a potential Wallabies debut on Saturday evening.
Wallabies team to play South Africa
1. Angus Bell (28 Tests)
2. Josh Nasser (3 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (71 Tests)
4. Angus Blyth (3 Tests)
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (33 Tests)
6. Rob Valetini (43 Tests)
7. Carlo Tizzano (1 Test)
8. Harry Wilson (14 Tests)
9. Nic White (68 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (20 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (59 Tests)
12. Hunter Paisami (28 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (30 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (30 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (29 Tests)
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (3 Tests)
17. James Slipper (137 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (7 Tests)
19. Tom Hooper (9 Tests)
20. Seru Uru (Uncapped)
21. Tate McDermott (32 Tests)
22. Ben Donaldson (9 Tests)
23. Max Jorgensen (Uncapped)