Rennie names three starting debutants
WELLINGTON: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has resisted the temptation to give uncapped first fiveeighth Noah Lolesio a starting role against the All Blacks in their Bledisloe Cup clash tomorrow, naming James O’Connor in the No 10 jersey instead.
It will be O’Connor’s first start at first five in a test since 2013, although he impressed for the Reds in Super Rugby AU in the position.
‘‘James got better and better at 10,’’ Rennie told reporters on a conference call. ‘‘I have been really impressed with him.’’
Rennie added Lolesio’s hamstring injury that ruled him out for much of Super Rugby AU had played a small factor in his decision.
Lolesio, who is seen as a potential longterm Wallabies No 10, will instead make his test debut off the bench at Wellington Regional Stadium. Fellow debutants winger Filipo Daugunu, centre Hunter Paisami and loose forward Harry Wilson will all start the game.
Wilson, who was outstanding at No 8 for the Reds in Super Rugby AU, has surprisingly been named at blindside flanker, with Pete Samu picked to play off the back of the scrum.
‘‘We are trying to grow this side, not just for this weekend but the future,’’ Rennie said.
‘‘We have been picking these test sides every week for about the last six months . . . and they’re all there on merit.’’
Captain Michael Hooper will become the 12th Australian to notch up 100 test caps.
The Wallabies have been in isolation in Christchurch for the last two weeks due to New Zealand’s strict biosecurity measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
They are due to travel to Wellington today for the match. — AAP