Wallabies confirm team for first Test against England

Thu, Jun 30, 2022, 3:12 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
A strong half from England secures the win for the hosts at Twickenham

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has confirmed Dave Porecki and Cadeyrn Neville will debut in the first Test against England at Optus Stadium.

Neville becomes the third-oldest debutant since World War II, partnering Brumbies teammate Darcy Swain in the second-row.

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Meanwhile, Porecki caps off his own remarkable journey, partnering Waratahs teammate Angus Bell and Brumbies tighthead Allan Alaalatoa in the front-row.

“The whole squad has worked hard over the past fortnight for what's going to be a tough three-Test series against a very good England side," Rennie said in a statement.

"Earning their first caps is a proud occasion for David, Cadeyrn and their families, with both men taking a unique journey to realise their dream of wearing the Wallabies jersey.

Michael Hooper will once again captain the side, joining a settled backrow in Rob Leota and Rob Valetini.

Meanwhile, Japanese-based trio Quade Cooper, Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete make their returns after missing the Spring Tour.

Cooper partners with the experienced Nic White in the halves whilst Samu Kerevi reunites with Len Ikitau in the centres.

Koroibete slots back onto the wing alongside 2021 Rookie of the Year Andrew Kellaway, with Tom Banks retaining his spot at the back.

New Force hooker Folau Fainga'a will get his chance to impress his home crowd, selected on the reserves alongside Scott Sio

James Slipper will cover tighthead after Taniela Tupou failed to overcome a calf injury suffered during Super Rugby Pacific, providing crucial experience along with Matt Philip and Pete Samu.

He is joined by Brumbies teammate Noah Lolesio and Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon, who beat out James O'Connor and Tate McDermott respectively for spots on the bench.

"The honour of representing our country is a massive motivating factor and we'll be doing everything we can to put in a performance that makes all Australians proud," Rennie added.

Every Wallabies Test will be ad-free, live and on-demand with extended coverage on Stan Sport along with shown free-to-air on the Nine Network.

Wallabies team to play England at Optus Stadium, Perth on Saturday 2 July, 5:55pm AWST

1. Angus Bell (16 Tests)

2. David Porecki*

3. Allan Alaalatoa (53 Tests)

4. Darcy Swain (10 Tests)

5. Cadeyrn Neville*

6. Rob Leota (6 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (118 Tests)

8. Rob Valetini (18 Tests)

9. Nic White (47 Tests)

10. Quade Cooper (75 Tests)

11. Marika Koroibete (42 Tests)

12. Samu Kerevi (38 Tests)

13. Len Ikitau (13 Tests)

14. Andrew Kellaway (13 Tests)

15. Tom Banks (19 Tests)

Replacements

16. Folau Fainga’a (25 Tests)

17. Scott Sio (69 Tests)

18. James Slipper (114 Tests)

19. Matt Philip (20 Tests)

20. Pete Samu (19 Tests)

21. Jake Gordon (10 Tests)

22. Noah Lolesio (9 Tests)

23. Jordan Petaia (16 Tests)

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