Len Ikitau has been cleared to start for the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park, with Isaac Henry the only change to the side that beat the Springboks in Perth.
Coach Les Kiss named his side on Thursday 8 October for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks in Auckland, which kicks off at 5:10pm AEDT, Rugby Australia confirmed.
Ikitau fit, Henry steps in
Ikitau limped off with an ankle concern in the 42-38 win over South Africa but has overcome the knock, according to RUGBY.com.au.
The John Eales Medallist will partner Henry in the midfield. Henry replaces Hunter Paisami, who is suspended, and is set for his third Test start.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii stays on the wing, with Max Jorgensen on the other flank and Tom Wright at fullback. RugbyPass also reported that the Wallabies had resisted moving Suaalii.
The starting pack is unchanged. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto keeps his spot in the second row alongside Jeremy Williams while Josh Canham (hamstring) remains sidelined, and Harry Wilson captains the side from No.8.
Bench shake-up
Kiss has gone back to a 5-3 split on the bench. Massimo De Lutiis comes in after Taniela Tupou returned to France, and Nick Champion de Crespigny replaces Tom Hooper, who has returned to England.
Declan Meredith is the new face among the backs replacements and can cover flyhalf and fullback.
“Keeping consistency in the starting side gives us a solid foundation, while adding some freshness on the bench will provide energy late in the game,” Kiss said.
“There aren’t many tougher challenges than playing New Zealand at Eden Park, but it’s one we’re excited by and know that we will need to be at our best in all aspects of our game.”
The Wallabies are chasing their first win over the All Blacks since 2020 and their first at Eden Park since 1986. New Zealand named their side earlier on Thursday, with Damian McKenzie at No.10.
Wallabies team v All Blacks
1. Angus Bell
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Jeremy Williams
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Rob Valetini
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson (c)
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
12. Len Ikitau
13. Isaac Henry
14. Max Jorgensen
15. Tom Wright
Replacements: 16. Josh Nasser, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Massimo De Lutiis, 19. Lachlan Shaw, 20. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Declan Meredith, 23. Harry Potter
More News
