Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa has been appointed as the captain of the Wallabies team for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup opener at the MCG. Coach Eddie Jones has made several bold decisions for the match, with seven changes in the starting lineup.
Notably, Michael Hooper is not included in the lineup due to a calf strain, and James Slipper will come off the bench. The team will be led by Alaalatoa, who last captained the side in a disappointing loss to Italy last year.
In a surprising move, Rebels playmaker Carter Gordon will make his first Test start in his hometown, replacing Quade Cooper in the No.10 jersey. The halves pairing has also been changed, with Reds halfback Tate McDermott replacing the experienced Nic White.
Another bold decision is the inclusion of Jordan Petaia at outside centre, taking the place of the injured Len Ikitau. Petaia has recovered from wrist surgery and is ready to contribute to the team.
Andrew Kellaway has been selected as the fullback instead of Tom Wright, while Angus Bell will replace Slipper at loosehead. Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, and Taniela Tupou have also been included in the team.
Jones expressed his confidence in the young starting XV and experienced finishers, stating that they will give their all in the match, which is considered the most important game of the year. He also emphasized the need to be cautious with young playmaker Gordon, as he is still developing his skills.
With a resurgent All Blacks team awaiting them, the Wallabies are preparing for a challenging match. The team lineup for both sides has been announced, and all eyes will be on this exciting encounter.
WALLABIES (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Jed Holloway, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Dave Porecki, Angus Bell
Reserves: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Izaia Perese
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea (c), Dalton Papali’i, Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Luke Jacobson, Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
