Wallabies overhaul backline for All Blacks test, Slipper set for record

SYDNEY : Australia coach Joe Schmidt has made a raft of changes to his backline but just one tweak up front for Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against the All Blacks, which doubles as the first of two Bledisloe Cup tests.
James Slipper will get his chance to surpass George Gregan and become Australia’s most capped player after being named at replacement loosehead prop for his 140th test.
The Wallabies go into the match at Stadium Australia on the back of a record 67-27 loss to Argentina and Schmidt has restored four players who missed the humbling in Santa Fe through injury.
Noah Lolesio returns at flyhalf in partnership with recalled scrumhalf Nic White, Tom Wright is back at fullback and Hunter Paisami will bring his powerful running back to the centres after recovering from a knee injury.
Andrew Kellaway moves to the right wing after standing in for Wright two weeks ago in Argentina with teenager Max Jorgensen dropping out of the matchday 23 because of illness.
In the pack, openside flanker Fraser McReight will play his first Rugby Championship test of the year after recovering from a broken hand.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto returns to the matchday squad after a shoulder injury but will start on the bench.
Hulking hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, meanwhile, will play his first test since he left for French club rugby in 2021 if he comes off the bench for Matt Faessler.
“The players have reconnected well this week for our last game on home soil this year,” Schmidt said in a news release.
“We’ve acknowledged the poor finish to our time in Argentina and we’re keen to turn that around on what will be a particularly special day for James and his family.”
Australia last held the Bledisloe Cup, which the trans-Tasman Sea neighbours compete for every year, in 2002.
Team: 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-Fraser McReight, 6-Rob Valetini, 5-Jeremy Williams, 4-Nick Frost, 3-Taniela Tupou, 2-Matt Faessler, 1-Angus Bell
Replacements: 16-Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17-James Slipper, 18-Allan Alaalatoa, 19-Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20-Langi Gleeson, 21-Tate McDermott, 22-Tom Lynagh, 23-Dylan Pietsch.