White, Paisami start as Slipper prepares to break Wallabies record in first Bledisloe Test

Thu, Sep 19, 2024, 1:58 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has called Nic White and Hunter Paisami into the starting side as he confirms his team to face the All Blacks in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney.

White returns for his first appearance since the Springboks Tests and partners Noah Lolesio after he overcame a back issue.

Tickets to the 2024 Bledisloe Cup Test match are available here.

It reflects the new-look backline as the returning Hunter Paisami lines up at inside centre.

Paisami missed the trip to Argentina with a knee injury and is joined by Len Ikitau, with Tom Wright (ankle) re-taking his place at fullback.

Fraser McReight makes his first appearance in the Rugby Championship after recovering from a broken finger.

It's the lone change to the starting side as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto makes his return from a shoulder injury on the bench.

Prop James Slipper will break the record for most caps by an Australian in Test Rugby history.

He has been named on the bench and will pass George Gregan's mark of 139 on his inclusion in the game.

In doing so, he will be on the verge of breaking into the top five for most Test caps ever, set to tie Brian O'Driscoll if he plays the second Bledisloe Test.

Slipper is joined on the bench by Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who plays his first game for the Wallabies since 2021, and Dylan Pietsch.

“The players have reconnected well this week for our last game on home soil this year," Schmidt said in a statement.

“We’ve acknowledged the poor finish to our time in Argentina and we’re keen to turn that around on what will be a particularly special day for James and his family.”

The Wallabies will also wear their First Nations jersey, which they won in the July series against Wales in Melbourne.

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday September 21 at 3:45pm AEST

1. Angus Bell (31 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

2. Matt Faessler (10 Tests) – USQ Saint

3. Taniela Tupou (54 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (19 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Jeremy Williams (6 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (46 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (20 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (17 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Nic White (69 Tests) – Maitland Blacks

10. Noah Lolesio (23 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

11. Marika Koroibete (62 Tests) – Nasinu Secondary College, Fiji

12. Hunter Paisami (29 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

13. Len Ikitau (33 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

14. Andrew Kellaway (33 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

15. Tom Wright (31 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (14 Tests) – Southern Districts

17. James Slipper (139 Tests) - Bond Pirates

18. Allan Alaalatoa (74 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors

19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (35 Tests) - Randwick

20. Langi Gleeson (7 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins

21. Tate McDermott (35 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club

22. Tom Lynagh (3 Tests) - University of Queensland

23. Dylan Pietsch (2 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms

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