'Brotherhood and connection': Rennie confirms Wallabies team as All Blacks pick Mo'unga at No.10
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie says he wants to see “brotherhood and connection” in Sunday’s Bledisloe Cup blockbuster across the ditch after confirming his first Wallabies team featuring four uncapped youngsters.
It comes as the All Blacks confirmed the Wallabies’ suspicions by naming Richie Mo’unga at No.10 and Beauden Barrett at fullback for the first of four matches between the teams in 2020.
Filipo Daugunu will make his Test debut on Sunday against the All Blacks. Credit:Getty
Harry Wilson has been named in the starters at No.6, while fellow Reds teammates Hunter Paisami (outside-centre) and Filipo Daugunu (wing) both get an opportunity at Test level for the first time.
With James O’Connor picked to wear the coveted gold No.10 jersey, Rennie has confirmed he will blood 20-year-old Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio, who has been named on a 5-3 bench.
Jordan Petaia won't play given he is still under an injury cloud.
Utility back Reece Hodge, with 39 Tests to his name, is set to come off a Wallabies bench that also includes Waratahs halfback Jake Gordon, who has been given the nod over fellow No.9s Tate McDermott and Joe Powell.
Elsewhere on the bench, Jordan Uelese has been picked as Australia's back-up hooker, Brumbies duo Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa are the reserve props, while 100-Test veteran Rob Simmons and one-Test rookie Rob Valetini round out the first Wallabies matchday 23 of the year.
“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 in a statement.
“I’ve been impressed with how quickly the squad has come together. There’s a good group of men here and the last three weeks has given us a chance to work hard and learn more about each other.
Hunter Paisami training in New Zealand. Credit:Rugby Australia/Andrew Phan
“We need to demonstrate that brotherhood and connection on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have gone with Richie Mo’unga at five-eighth and named Beauden Barrett at fullback.
The Kiwis have named a largely experienced starting XV led by Sam Cane, plus three potential debutants off the bench in second-rower Tupou Vaa'i, loose forward Hoskins Sotutu and winger Caleb Clarke.
New Zealand has held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.
More to come
Wallabies (1-15): James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu, Nic White, James O'Connor, Marika Koroibete, Matt To'omua, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Banks.
Bench: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge.
All Blacks (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Ofa Tuungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett.
Bench: Dane Coles, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.
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Tom Decent is a journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald