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James Slipper to captain Wallabies as Liam Wright ruled out of Wales Test

Fraser McReight and James Slipper of the Wallabies walk out ahead of Australia Wallabies Captain's Run at Eden Park on September 23, 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Last week’s captain Liam Wright will not suit up for the Wallabies on Saturday evening after being ruled out of the second Test against Wales through injury. That change has prompted a backrow reshuffle and an adjustment in the leadership department.

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Test veteran James Slipper will captain the Wallabies for the 15th time in Wright’s absence, while backrower enforcer Rob Valetini shifts from No. 8 to blindside flanker. Queenslander Fraser McReight holds onto his place at openside.

Beecroft junior Charlie Cale has been named to start in Wallaby gold for the first time after coming off the bench last time out. Cale was impressive in Super Rugby Pacific with the Brumbies but will want to make the most of this opportunity.

The rest of the forward pack remains unchanged with captain Slipper set to pack down alongside hooker Matt Faessler and the powerful Taniela Tupou in the front row. Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams will partner Lukhan Salakaia-Loto as the two locks once again.

As for the backline, the coaching staff have named unchanged combinations starting with the promising halves partnership of Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio. Reds’ duo Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will link up in a midfield that boasts plenty of potential.

Two of last week’s try scorers Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright will take their place on the left wing and at fullback respectively, while the ever-dangerous Andrew Kellaway rounds out the starting side on the right edge.

On the bench, Josh Nasser – who is the brother of Olympics-bound Australian sevens ace Isabella Nassr – is in line to debut. Langi Gleeson, Nic White and Ben Donaldson also return to the fold after missing out on selection last time out.

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“We found out a bit about ourselves last week and are looking forward to learning a bit more on Saturday night,” coach Joe Schmidt said in a statement.

“We’ve worked hard again this week in Melbourne and will be going out to earn the support of those in the stands and those at home on Saturday night.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
4
Draws
0
Wins
1
Average Points scored
32
28
First try wins
80%
Home team wins
60%

The Wallabies are looking to make it two wins from as many starts after getting the better of Wales 25-16 in Sydney last week. Australia have named a strong side but will face a Welsh outfit eager to snap a disastrous eight-Test losing run.

This match at Melbourne’s AAMI Park will kick off at 7:45 pm AEST on Saturday. Fans in Australia can watch the match on Stan Sport.

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Wallabies team to take on Wales in Melbourne

  1. James Slipper (c)
  2. Matt Faessler
  3. Taniela Tupou
  4. Jeremy Williams
  5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
  6. Rob Valetini
  7. Fraser McReight
  8. Charlie Cale
  9. Jake Gordon
  10. Noah Lolesio
  11. Filipo Daugunu
  12. Hunter Paisami
  13. Josh Flook
  14. Andrew Kellaway
  15. Tom Wright

Replacements

  1. Josh Nasser**
  2. Isaac Kailea
  3. Allan Alaalatoa
  4. Angus Blyth
  5. Langi Gleeson
  6. Nic White
  7. Ben Donaldson
  8. Dylan Pietsch
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Patrickhill300 1 hour ago
Can 'great' Gibson-Park best 'freakish' Dupont in scrum-half clash for the ages?

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Patrickhill300 1 hour ago
Mixed Wales update on availability of Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe

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JW 2 hours ago
'I'm really disappointed': Former All Blacks disagree with Anzac Test outcome

Well obviously NZR is not beholden to revenue then Marshall.


And it simply never was a revenue issue. The AFL and NRL milk the ANZACs deaths and sacrifice for their own personal gain, they did not make their decisions based on “the rugby”, it’s all about taking over the day for the financial benefit. Why would NZR want to be a apart of that? We know RA would, but more than ever they are driven by the bottom line, and not the values that will be the factor in NZRs decision.


So you need to get outside you bubble Tim Horan and think about reality. First, did Australians need something to do on ANZAC day (assuming it was for the weekend celebration day proposal) or have they been brainwashed into disconnecting with their mates and connecting with the TV. What purpose does it provide other than financially essentially? Then ask yourself that same question for the communities out side of that, through Aus and then into NZ and around the pacific, world even.


We don’t need your shortshighted aussie brain calling out NZR thanks.


NZR also doesn’t want to destroy a good thing that is SRs revival amongst wider entertainment enjoyer base, and having a SR break/interruption was a big driver towards fans turning off previously. You’d have to wait at least a few years before they feel comfortable in disrupting that again. Actually having it at the beggining of 2027, World Cup year in Australia, might actually be the most sensible thing (though I actually really like Utiku’s idea). It would both drum up support and get the spotlight on rugby early in the season, helping anticipation/buildup for the big event, and more importantly, give the sides an extra game that year to get things right for a tilt at thge trophy.

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