Rennie risks new blood for Bledsiloe

NEW Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has rolled the dice by naming four debutants in his squad for Sunday’s Bledisloe Cup series opener against New Zealand in Wellington.

In a massive gamble for his first match in charge, Rennie has also included another six players who have made less than 10 appearances for the Wallabies in the hope that the injection of fresh faces will end Australia’s long run of losses against the All Blacks.

It has been 19 years since the Wallabies last beat the All Blacks in New Zealand and 18 years since Australia last won the Bledisloe Cup so Rennie is taking a huge risk by choosing such an inexperienced squad.

He has named three uncapped players, all from Queensland, in the starting line-up – blindside flanker Harry Wilson, outside centre Hunter Paisami and Fijianborn winger Filipo Daugunu, plus Brumbies rookie Noah Lolesio on the bench. “It’s a privilege for me to be able to announce the first Australian side of the year and especially to name a number of players who will wear the gold jersey for the first time,” Rennie said.

The forward pack includes two players with very little international experience. Pete Samu will earn his 10th cap after being selected at No.8 while Matt Philip will play his fourth test, getting the nod over Rob Simmons to start at lock.

Captain Michael Hooper was the only Waratahs named in the starting side, becoming just the 12th Wallaby to reach the 100-Test milestone.

Rennie did play it safe in the key playmaking roles, naming the World Cup trio of Nic White, James O’Connor and Matt Toomua at 9, 10 and 12.