JAMES O’CONNOR WILL make his first Wallabies start since 2013 as one of four changes to the run-on side to face New Zealand on Saturday.
O’Connor came off the bench in Australia’s 16-10 win over Argentina last time out, but will start a Test for the first time since September 2013 when the Wallabies face the All Blacks in Perth.
Allan Alaalatoa is set for his first Test appearance of the year and the Brumbies star will be joined by Tolu Latu in the front row.
Meanwhile, Nic White will start alongside former Brumbies team-mate Christian Lealiifano in the halves.
The clash at Optus Stadium marks the opening game of the Bledisloe Cup, which the All Blacks have held since 2003.
Australia are third in the Rugby Championship on four points, behind South Africa (seven) and New Zealand (six).
Australia: Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White; Scott Sio, Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Izack Rodda, Rory Arnold, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Michael Hooper, Isi Naisarani.
Replacements: Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Adam Coleman, Luke Jones, Will Genia, Matt To’omua, Tom Banks.
Interesting combination of locks and backrows for Australia with 5 guys who’s primary position is lock in the 23 and then Naisarani who’s 6’5 at 8. I guess that means Australia are looking at New Zealands issues from 1 through 6 and deciding that’s the best way to take them on.
@Eddie Hekenui: I have a feeling Australia will target the nz lineout. Having Savea at 6 reduces their lineout options(he adds massively at the bd and in the loose obviously) and with Australia loading up in that area I can see them trying to disrupt the nz lineout and use their own lineout and maul in attack. Be a fascinating watch how that particular area goes.
@Eddie Hekenui: good
@Eddie Hekenui: good
@Eddie Hekenui: good to see Luke Jones back in the mix. He was phenomenal when he broke through for the rebels a few years back. Exciting hybrid lock to watch.
@Ian Verdon: Yeah I’ve just seen the NZ team. Read is a good lineout operator so they’ll still have 3 options but not as strong as usual where they’ve had 4 and Retalick as banker ball. I’m just surprised Australia went with Latu ahead of Faingaa who was pretty lethal off the back of the Brumbies maul this season. Rodda had a strong season attacking opposition ball so I can see him trying to go after NZ ball. Lots of teams will be watching with interest to see if they can dominate in the set piece and how that affects the game because there are far stronger tight 5′s out there than Australia.
@Jim Demps: Yeah he’s an exciting player at his best but he’s been very up and done this year. I’d love to see him hit form again.
@Eddie Hekenui: yeah sure didn’t faingaa get into double figures this season in the try scoring column? I think all of which were at the back of the maul. Read is a very dependable lineout operator indeed, I think the lineout is certainly an area opposition teams will target. The Nz scrum isn’t the weapon it has been in the past yet by no means poor but SA in particular would be relishing that front 5 battle.
@Eddie Hekenui: If you’re going after the NZ lineout faingaa is not your man to play to hit those darts. Very wishy washy as was clearly evident against the jaguares in the super semis
@Liam Flague: He’s not perfect but he’s better than Latu and probably the best of a questionable bunch going on this seasons form. Brumbies had a strong lineout and a very dangerous maul with Faingaa being an important part of that. The last two times I’ve seen Latu play for Australia he’s fallen apart in the lineout. Against Wales in November they lost 4 or 5 lineouts and the last time he played NZ he lost 6 or 7 in 35 minutes.
I really like 11-15. Better centre pairing.
@Andrew H: it will be a great test to see where he’s at going toe to toe with one of the most in form and even at only 24 one of the best 13’s in the game. Can see goodhue using his power and exceptional running lines to ruffle O’Connor’s feathers.
NZ will stick to their usual strategy of pinning Aus in their half forcing them to run out.
Then scoring after with counter attacks from turnovers, while keeping the scoreboard ticking with penalties because of good defense. There is little Aus have in their arsenal to counter them, they will go down fighting like they always do.