Neville set to start for Wallabies in Bledisloe battle

Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 8:00 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has spoken to media after announcing his team for Saturday's Auckland Bledisloe.

The Wallabies will call on the experience of Cadeyrn Neville as they look to deny the All Blacks the Rugby Championship title.

Neville returns to the starting side for the first time since the England series, suffering an MCL injury during the second Test.

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His return is timely, with backrower Rob Leota (Achilles) and lock Darcy Swain (suspension) unavailable.

This will potentially see Jed Holloway shift back to blindside flanker, having partnered Matt Philip in the second-row during last week's 39-37 defeat to the All Blacks in Melbourne.

"The beauty of what I can bring is I can potentially cover 4, 5, 6 or even 8," Holloway told reporters.

"I have to be over my detail but I'm absolutely gutted for Rob, he was having a really good impact on that Test. He's had a rough trot with injury and I'm gutted for him.

"I know he'll come back bigger and stronger."

After the dramatic finish to last week's Test, Holloway concedes there's no lack of motivation as they head to Eden Park.

“We just have to lick our wounds at go again," he added.

“There’s no lack of motivation after last week obviously. It was a great Test match to be a part, awesome being out there but (it's) a disappointing ending.

“We’ve had two really solid training days so we’re pumped to get over there and rip in again.”

Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio has returned to training according to potential halves partner Jake Gordon, pushing Bernard Foley for selection after his strong return performance.

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