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Foley, Gordon named to start Bledisloe Test in Melbourne
Tue, 13/09/2022, 10:12 am
Nathan Williamson
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has confirmed his side for the Bledisloe Cup opener against the All Blacks, with Bernard Foley earning a recall.
Foley will play his first game under Rennie and first for Australia since 2019, coming in for Noah Lolesio (concussion).
He is joined by NSW Waratahs scrumhalf Jake Gordon, who starts for the first time in 2022, pushing Nic White back to the bench.
“It's great to have Bernard's experience and he brings plenty of voice and passion for the gold jersey," Rennie said in a statement.
"New Zealand showed their class in a massive win over Argentina last week and will come to Melbourne full of confidence."
Gordon's Waratahs teammate Lalakai Foketi partners Len Ikitau in the centres after Hunter Paisami failed to overcome his own head knock.
Along with this, Andrew Kellaway has been elevated from the bench, selected to start at fullback.
He is joined in the back three by Tom Wright and Marika Koroibete, who will play his 50th Test for the Wallabies, with Reece Hodge reverting to the bench.
Meanwhile, in the forwards, it's an all-Victorian-born back row as Rob Leota and Pete Samu earn call-ups to the starting side, joining Rob Valetini.
This sees Jed Holloway shift to lock, filling the gap left by Rory Arnold after he was unavailable for selection.
Dave Porecki swaps with Folau Fainga'a, whilst James Slipper once again captains the side, taking him to outright third on the list of most-capped Wallabies behind George Gregan (139) and Stephen Moore (129).
Rebels prop Pone Fa'amausili comes onto the bench after a calf injury to Taniela Tupou, joined by Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight.
Jordan Petaia completes the bench alongside Hodge and White as the Wallabies play the All Blacks in Melbourne for the first time since 2010.
"We're well aware of the opportunity in front of us over the next fortnight and we're extremely motivated to make the most of it," Rennie added.
Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne on Thursday 15 September, 7:45pm AEST
James Slipper (c) (121 Tests)
David Porecki (5 Tests)
Allan Alaalatoa (58 Tests)
Jed Holloway (4 Tests)
Matt Philip (26 Tests)
Rob Leota (12 Tests)
Pete Samu (26 Tests)
Rob Valetini (25 Tests)
Jake Gordon (14 Tests)
Bernard Foley (71 Tests)
Marika Koroibete (49 Tests)
Lalakai Foketi (2 Tests)
Len Ikitau (19 Tests)
Tom Wright (16 Tests)
Andrew Kellaway (16 Tests) Replacements
Folau Fainga’a (31 Tests)
Scott Sio (73 Tests)
Pone Fa’amausili (1 Test)
Darcy Swain (15 Tests)
Fraser McReight (6 Tests)
Nic White (54 Tests)
Reece Hodge (59 Tests)
Jordan Petaia (20 Tests)
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallab...tralia-2022913
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