McReight to earn 50th cap as Kiss backs youth in Wallabies lineup for England

Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has opted for Declan Meredith at fly-half for their Nations Championship clash against England at Allianz Stadium.

Recent John Eales Medalist Fraser McReight will bring up 50 caps for the Wallabies at Twickenham, named alongside Jeremy Williams and captain Harry Wilson in the back row.

Wallabies prop Angus Bell returns after missing the Bledisloe Cup defeats, starting on the loosehead side with Billy Pollard at hooker and Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead.

It’s an all-Queensland Reds partnership in the second row, with Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakai-Loto rounding out the tight-five.

Ryan Lonergan is trusted at halfback, with Meredith getting the nod in the all-important fly-half role after a promising performance in Sydney against the All Blacks.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen provide firepower on either wing, with the ever-reliable Tom Wright at fullback. Arguably Australia’s best player, Len Ikitau, also returns to the starting lineup having missed the majority of the Bledisloe Cup series, partnering Isaac Henry in the midfield.

Taniela Tupou and Rob Valetini headline a strong bench, which includes Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Filipo Daugunu as the backline replacements.

“The entire squad has travelled well and prepared with fantastic energy and excitement heading into this weekend,” the Wallabies head coach said.

“Playing England on their home turf – at an iconic venue like Twickenham – is a massive challenge and another great opportunity for us to test ourselves against world-class opposition and keep building our game.”

The Wallabies currently sit in third place in the Southern Hemisphere Nations Championship table with eight points from three Tests.

Kiss’ side will then travel to Edinburgh to take on Scotland, before taking on Wales in Cardiff a week later, prior to the finals weekend in London.

Wallabies team to play England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in London, on Monday November 9 at 2:10 am AEDT
1. Angus Bell (60 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Billy Pollard (26 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
3. Allan Alaalatoa (96 Tests) #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (9 Tests) – #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (50 Tests) – #914; Randwick Rugby
6. Jeremy Williams (35 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
7. Fraser McReight (49 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (45 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (15 Tests) – #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (5 Tests) – #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (27 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
12. Len Ikitau (56 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Isaac Henry (6 Tests) – #999; Kenmore Bears
14. Max Jorgensen (30 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (53 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes
16. Josh Nasser (18 Tests) – #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
17. Isaac Kailea (9 Tests) – #975; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
18. Taniela Tupou (74 Tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby
19. Rob Valetini (71 Tests) – #929; Harlequins Junior Rugby Club
20. Carlo Tizzano (18 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Tate McDermott (57 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (27 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (25 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs