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James Slipper to make Wallabies history as team named for All Blacks
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James Slipper will become the first Wallaby to play 150 Tests in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash at Eden Park. Only New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock and Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones have reached the milestone globally.
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The veteran will start in Auckland, joined by Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou in the front row. Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will run the lineout in the second row, with Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, and Harry Wilson rounding out the forward pack.
Tate McDermott will make a rare appearance in the starting team alongside James O’Connor in the halves, feeding the in-form duo of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield.
An injury to Andrew Kellaway has made way for Max Jorgensen to start at fullback, joining an electric back three of Corey Toole and Harry Potter.
A debut is on the cards for Ryan Lonergan, who has been named on the bench alongside Tane Edmed and Filipo Daugunu in the backs. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa make up the reserve front row, with Jeremy Williams and Carlo Tizzano offering impact up front.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The squad have worked away this week, fully aware of the challenge that awaits at Eden Park.
“It’s a fitting occasion for James Slipper to reach the milestone of 150 test matches and for Tate McDermott to represent the Wallabies for the 50th time.”
Wallabies team to play the All Blacks
1 James Slipper (149 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. Billy Pollard (14 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
3. Taniela Tupou (63 Tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (32 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (42 Tests) – #914; Randwick
6. Tom Hooper (17 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
7. Fraser McReight (33 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8 Harry Wilson (c) (29 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (49 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
10. James O’Connor (68 Tests) – #832, St Joseph’s College, Nudgee
11. Corey Toole (3 Tests) – #992, Wagga Crows
12. Len Ikitau (46 Tests) – #944, Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (12 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Harry Potter (5 Tests) – #989, Moorabbin Rams
15. Max Jorgensen (15 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (24 Tests) – #918, Southern Districts
17. Angus Bell (43 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Allan Alaalatoa (83 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
19. Jeremy Williams (18 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Carlo Tizzano (10 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Ryan Lonergan* – uncapped; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Tane Edmed (3 Tests) – #990; West Harbour Juniors
23. Filipo Daugunu (13 Tests) – #931, Wests Bulldogs
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