Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named Dylan Pietsch to start on the wing as he confirms his side to face the All Blacks in Saturday’s second Bledisloe Test in Wellington.
Schmidt has kept a settled side from the one that pushed the Kiwis all the way in Sydney, with Pietsch called into the starting side for Marika Koroibete (wrist).
Watch the 2024 Bledisloe Cup series live, ad-free and exclusive on Stan Sport.
It’s the 26-year-old’s maiden start in the gold jersey as he partners Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright in the back three.
Jake Gordon re-takes his position at scrum half as the lone other change to the starting side after missing the opening Test at Accor Stadium, partnering Noah Lolesio.
There has also been a shuffle of the backs replacements as Ben Donaldson and Josh Flook take their place in the side.
Donaldson started in the second Test against Argentina and replaces Tom Lynagh, who was an unused sub in Saturday’s defeat.
Meanwhile, Josh Flook has won the race to fill the void left by Pietsch’s elevation, set for his fourth appearance in the gold jersey after starting both Tests against Wales in July.
The forward pack remains uncharged as number eight Harry Wilson once again takes the captaincy.
Schmidt has made one change to the forwards' reserves as Isaac Kailea comes in for James Slipper, who recently broke the record for most caps by an Australian in Test Rugby.
“We didn’t help ourselves last weekend falling behind early to a fast moving, high tempo All Blacks side," Schmidt said in a statement.
“We know we will need to start better than we did last week, with the physical edge and accuracy required.”
1. Angus Bell (32 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Matt Faessler (11 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (55 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (20 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (7 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (47 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (21 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (18 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (26 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (24 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Dylan Pietsch (3 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms
12. Hunter Paisami (30 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Len Ikitau (34 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andrew Kellaway (34 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (32 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (15 Tests) – Southern Districts
17. Isaac Kailea (5 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
18. Allan Alaalatoa (75 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (36 Tests) - Randwick
20. Langi Gleeson (8 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (36 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (12 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23. Josh Flook (3 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
