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Wallabies receive timely boost as Schmidt rings changes for Ireland
By Josh Raisey
Australia have welcomed Len Ikitau back into their starting XV for their contest with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday.
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The current John Eales medal winner missed the Wallabies’ opening two matches of the Quilter Nations Series, where he watched his side lose to England and Italy.
He has now returned to partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield in one of six changes to the starting XV made by Joe Schmidt.
Two changes have occurred in the pack, where Allan Alaalatoa will start instead of Taniela Tupou, and Rob Valentini will start in the back-row, bumping Tom Hooper into the second-row and Nick Frost dropping to the bench.
The backline has seen slightly more work, with James O’Connor taking hold of the No.10 jersey. Harry Potter is the remaining back three player from the loss to Italy, with Filipo Daugunu starting on the other wing and Max Jorgensen starting at full-back.
Schmidt said: “It’s been a tough schedule but we’ve tried to embrace that this week and tried to freshen up at the same time.
“It’s another opportunity this Saturday to really challenge ourselves against one of the top teams in the world.”
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Wallabies XV
1. Angus Bell (48 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Matt Faessler (16 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints
3. Allan Alaalatoa (86 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Jeremy Williams (23 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Tom Hooper (20 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
6. Rob Valetini (60 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (37 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (34 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (35 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. James O’Connor (70 Tests) – #832; St Joseph’s College, Nudgee
11. Harry Potter (9 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (48 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (16 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Filipo Daugunu (18 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
15. Max Jorgensen (18 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (19 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
17. Tom Robertson (38 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Kangaroos
18. Zane Nonggorr (18 Tests) – #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Nick Frost (36 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
20. Carlo Tizzano (12 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Ryan Lonergan (4 Tests) – #933; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Tane Edmed (7 Tests) – #990; West Harbour Juniors
23. Andrew Kellaway (48 Tests) – #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club