Tupou returns for second Test against England

Thu, Jul 7, 2022, 3:12 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies hosted England in their first international of 2022.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has confirmed Taniela Tupou will make his return for the second Test against England.

Tupou missed the opener as he dealt with a calf injury that ruled him out of the second half of Super Rugby Pacific.

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It comes at a perfect time for Rennie and the Wallabies with Allan Alaalatoa (concussion) ruled out, as Tupou joins Angus Bell and Dave Porecki in the front-row.

Matt Philip comes into the starting side after Darcy Swain's suspension, with Nick Frost in line for his debut off the bench.

Injuries to Tom Banks (arm) and Andrew Kellaway (hamstring) has forced a reshuffle of the backline as Jordan Petaia gets his first start at fullback.

This allows Tom Wright to return to the side, partnering Marika Koroibete on the wing, whilst Hunter Paisami replaces Len Ikitau (calf) at outside centre.

“It's great to have Taniela back this week and he's extremely excited to pull on the gold jersey in his hometown," Rennie said in a statement.

"Equally, Jordy is looking forward to the opportunity at fullback and of course it will be a proud night for Nick and his family for his Test debut.

"We will proudly be wearing the First Nations jersey and singing the national anthem in Yugambeh language on Saturday night as we pay our respect to Uncle Lloyd McDermott and the First Nations people of this country."

The reserves are largely unchanged outside of Frost, with Izaia Perese set to play his first Test on home soil after making his debut on the Spring Tour.

Saturday night's match will be the 100th Test held in Brisbane, with the hosts one win away from securing the inaugural Ella-Mobbs Cup.

The Wallabies will also recognise NAIDOC week by wearing their First Nations jersey for the first time in 2022 in Meanjin (Brisbane). As well as this, they will sing the national anthem in Yugambeh language, paying homage to Uncle Lloyd McDermott, the first Wallaby to identify as a First Nations man.

Wallabies team to play England at Suncorp Stadium, Meanjin (Brisbane) on Saturday 9 July, 7:55pm AEST
  1. Angus Bell (17 Tests)
  2. David Porecki (1 Test)
  3. Taniela Tupou (38 Tests)
  4. Matt Philip (21 Tests)
  5. Cadeyrn Neville (1 Test)
  6. Rob Leota (7 Tests)
  7. Michael Hooper (c) (119 Tests)
  8. Rob Valetini (19 Tests)
  9. Nic White (48 Tests)
  10. Noah Lolesio (10 Tests)
  11. Marika Koroibete (43 Tests)
  12. Samu Kerevi (39 Tests)
  13. Hunter Paisami (15 Tests)
  14. Tom Wright (10 Tests)
  15. Jordan Petaia (17 Tests) Replacements
  16. Folau Fainga’a (26 Tests)
  17. Scott Sio (70 Tests)
  18. James Slipper (115 Tests)
  19. Nick Frost*
  20. Pete Samu (20 Tests)
  21. Jake Gordon (11 Tests)
  22. James O'Connor (62 Tests)
  23. Izaia Perese (2 Tests)

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