New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie rolled the dice on four debutants after announcing his squad for the first Bledisloe Cup clash
Rubgy: The Wallabies have prioritized ending an 18-year drought in Bledisloe Cup rather than winning the Rugby World Cup
New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named four newbies to his squad to face the All Blacks in Sunday’s Bledisloe Cup opener in Wellington
Rennie surprised by including three uncapped Queensland Reds players in his starting squad, while James O’Connor will start at 10, speedster star Jordan Petaia is out with a hip flexor injury and running back. Tate McDermott melee was the biggest omission
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Rennie’s squad announcement debuts Hunter Paisami, Harry Wilson and Filipo Daugunu in his starting squad
James O’Connor was picked as the Wallabies starting No 10 for the first time since 2013 is another key bet from Rennie, who started with the experience of Nic White at No 9 and Matt To’omua at inner center
Rennie said earlier this week that his priority was to find the right balance between his halves, while suggesting he wouldn’t be afraid to inject youngsters into the squad
« When you choose your side, these are also complementary players and the mix is important, » said Rennie
« It will end up being a mix of guys who have lived a lot and who have worn the jersey a lot
« It will also help the nerves of some young men, so it will be a good mix »
In a statement released with the squad announcement, Rennie said: “It is a privilege for me to be able to announce the first Australian team of the year and most importantly to name a number of players who will wear the gold jersey for the first time
« I was impressed with how quickly the team has come together There is a good group of men here and the past three weeks have given us the opportunity to work hard and learn from it more about the other
Rennie didn’t hesitate to make calls to the big selection for his first game in charge, against veteran lock Rob Simmons, while making 13 changes to the starting 15 of the Wallabies’ last outing, Demolition 40 England -16 in Rugby World Cup quarter-finals last October which resulted in the departure of Michael Cheika
The only survivors of this mutilation are Captain Michael Hooper, who is playing his 100th test, and winger Marika Koroibete
Rennie’s side, who hope to win the first Australian series from Bledisloe since 2002, have a strong emphasis on youth while retaining experienced players in key positions
Substitutions: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Rob Valetini, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Noah Lolesio, 23 Reece Hodge
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Bledisloe Cup 2020, Wallabies
World news – UA – Wallabies Bledisloe Cup team roster announced: four newbies in Dave Rennie team