Rennie’s selection is ‘based on merit’

Sydney: Dave Rennie isn’t afraid to blood youth against the All Blacks but has promised a “good blend” of experience when he names the first Wallabies side of his tenure this week.

The New Zealander has 16 uncapped players and host of others with little international experience in his extended 44-man Wallabies squad. He’ll reveal his first whittled-dosn matchday squad on Friday and has all but settled on the final makeup of the team for Sunday’s opening Bledisloe clash in Wellington.

While Rennie is understandably keeping his selection cards close to his chest, the former Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors coach has signalled his intention to give youth a go, despite the daunting nature of the assignment.

“We’re going to pick on merit,” Rennie told foxsports.com.au.

“We’ve talked all the time about earning the right to play and we’ve got some young men who have played very well in Super Rugby and deserve that opportunity.

“Always there’s unlucky people, there’s been some really tight decisions, but we’re pretty happy with the squad that we’re going to put on the park.”

Arguably the biggest selection headache Rennie faces is the makeup of his halves.

Veterans James O’Connor and Matt To’omua are frontrunners at fly-half but uncapped Brumbies young gun Noah Lolesio has heaped the pressure on with his outstanding Super Rugby AU form and Will Harrison is also in the mix.

Another rookie, Tate McDermott, is also right in the selection frame, vying with Nic White for the No.9 jersey.