Joe Schmidt recalls ‘retired’ Test star as Wallabies wonderkid finally set to make debut
Split with Wallabies star Marika Koroibete and Max Jorgensen.
Joe Schmidt has named Marika Koroibete in his starting XV to face the Springboks in Perth for the second round of the Rugby Championship.
It will be Koroibete’s first cap since the 2023 Rugby World Cup where he suggested he had played his last game for Australia. He comes in for the injured Filipo Daugunu, taking his place in the back-three alongside Tom Wright and Andrew Kellaway.
The Wallabies midfield sees no changes with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau continuing their work in the centres. Once again Noah Lolesio is handed the keys at fly-half by Schmidt but this time around he has veteran Nic White starting alongside him at scrum-half.
Some changes in the pack
Last week’s debutant Carlo Tizzano is rewarded for a busy shift with another start with Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson in the back-row.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto retains his spot with Angus Blyth starting this time around as the second-row merry-go-round continues. Star prop Angus Bell makes a timely return with Josh Nasser getting his first start at hooker next to captain Allan Alaalatoa.
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Highly-rated starlet Max Jorgensen is finally set to make his debut off the bench having received his first call-up last year. He is joined by Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson as backline options.
Seru Uru could also debut off the bench having been named alongside Tom Hooper, Zane Nonggorr, James Slipper and Billy Pollard as forward replacements.
Schmidt knows his team needs to step it up after last weekend’s loss but feels the week’s preparation has gone well.
“There’s some continuity and freshness in this team after a very physical test last weekend,” he said.
“The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week. The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday.”
Wallabies line-up to face the Springboks
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen
Date: Saturday, August 17
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17:55 local (10:55 BST)
Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce (RFU), Hollie Davidson (SRU)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
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