Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has confirmed a new-look side for the opening Bledisloe Test against New Zealand at the MCG.
Prop Allan Alaalatoa will serve as acting captain of the side in Saturday’s Test, joined in the front-row by Angus Bell as co-captain James Slipper reverts to the bench.
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Fellow co-captain Michael Hooper remains on the sidelines with a calf injury as Tom Hooper starts at open-side flanker, returning from a shoulder niggle.
Scrumhalf Tate McDermott forms a new-look halves partnership alongside breakout star Carter Gordon.
It’s a remarkable rise for Gordon, who made his debut against South Africa at the start of the month.
“We are a team that wants to make Australia proud and Saturday night is a great opportunity to light up the MCG," Jones said in a statement.
“A young starting 15 and vibrant, experienced finishers will give us the 80 minutes we want.
“Wallaby Rugby versus New Zealand Rugby, it’s the most important game of the year.”
Melbourne-born back Jordan Petaia returns to the side after a wrist injury, slotting into the vacant outside centre position.
Petaia last played centre at Test level in 2020, partnering with Samu Kerevi, who retains his spot at inside centre.
He is joined in the starting side by Andrew Kellaway, who slots into fullback to complete the back three alongside Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Nick Frost also makes his return to the starting side to partner Will Skelton in the second row.
Jones has named an experienced finishers group, headlined by the return of Taniela Tupou.
Tupou made his return from an Achilles injury for Australia A in Tonga a fortnight ago.
He is joined by the likes of Slipper, Nic White and Quade Cooper, with Izaia Perese added to the bench for his first appearance of 2023.
The Wallabies will also wear their First Nations kit for the first time in 2023, with over 80,000 expected at the MCG for the grudge match.
1. Angus Bell (21 Tests)
2. David Porecki (12 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (acting captain) (66 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (10 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (26 Tests)
6. Jed Holloway (11 Tests)
7. Tom Hooper (1 Test)
8. Rob Valetini (32 Tests)
9. Tate McDermott (23 Tests)
10. Carter Gordon (2 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (53 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (43 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (25 Tests)
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (4 Tests)
15. Andrew Kellaway (21 Tests)
Finishers
16. Jordan Uelese (17 Tests)
17. James Slipper (129 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (47 Tests)
19. Richie Arnold (2 Tests)
20. Rob Leota (14 Tests)
21. Nic White (61 Tests)
22. Quade Cooper (78 Tests)
23. Izaia Perese (3 Tests)
