Written by Nathan Williamson, courtesy of rugby.com.au Source article
Wallabies prop James Slipper will take over the captaincy as Joe Schmidt confirms his side for Saturday’s second Test against Wales in Melbourne.
Slipper captains the side as a result of an injury to backrower Liam Wright ruled him out.
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It’s the 15th time the 35-year-old has captained Australia, recently breaking the record for most caps for a front-rower.
Wright’s absence sees Slipper’s Brumbies team-mate Charlie Cale make his debut start at number eight.
Cale was one of seven debutants during last week’s victory and his inclusion pushes Rob Valetini to blindside flanker, the same set-up as at the Brumbies.
It’s the lone change to the starting side, with Schmidt making several changes to the bench, headlined by potential debutant Josh Nasser.
Nasser, the son of former Wallaby Brendan, joins Isaac Kailea and Allan Alaalatoa as the front-row replacements.
NSW Waratah Langi Gleeson has also been added to the bench, named for his first appearance for the Wallabies in 2024 alongside Angus Blyth.
Western Force duo Nic White and Ben Donaldson round out the changes, providing an experienced combo off the bench with Dylan Pietsch.
“We found out a bit about ourselves last week and are looking forward to learning a bit more on Saturday night,” Schmidt said.
“We’ve worked hard again this week in Melbourne and will be going out to earn the support of those in the stands and those at home on Saturday night.”
The Wallabies will wear their First Nations jersey in recognition of NAIDOC week
Wallabies team to play Wales at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday 13 July, 7:45pm AEST
1. James Slipper (c) (135 Tests) – Bond Pirates
2. Matt Faessler (6 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (51 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Jeremy Williams (1 Test) – Wahroonga Tigers
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (31 Tests) – Randwick
6. Rob Valetini (40 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (18 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Charlie Cale (1 Test) – Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
9. Jake Gordon (21 Tests) – Canterbury Berries
10. Noah Lolesio (18 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Filipo Daugunu (8 Tests) – Wests Bulldogs
12. Hunter Paisami (25 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Josh Flook (1 Test) – Brothers Rugby
14. Andrew Kellaway (27 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (26 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Josh Nasser** – Easts Tigers
17. Isaac Kailea (1 Test) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
18. Allan Alaalatoa (68 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Angus Blyth (1 Test) – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
20. Langi Gleeson (5 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Nic White (66 Tests) – Maitland Blacks
22. Ben Donaldson (7 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23. Dylan Pietsch (1 Test) – Leeton Phantoms
**denotes potential debut
