Powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou returns from injury and Jordan Petaia will start at fullback for Australia for the first time as coach Dave Rennie made five changes on Thursday to his starting lineup for the second Test against England.
Injuries and suspensions forced Rennie’s hand for the clash on Saturday in Brisbane after their brutal 30-28 victory at Perth last weekend, which snapped an eight-match losing streak against Eddie Jones’ men.
MORE: Mchunu ready to release the beast on Wales
Fullback Tom Banks broke his arm during the opening match of the three-Test series and right wing Andrew Kellaway was expected to replace him, but the Melbourne Rebels flyer was also ruled out after injuring a hamstring in training this week.
That opened the door for Petaia, usually a wing, to start in the No 15 jersey for the first time at international level, with Tom Wright taking Kellaway’s place out wide.
The Wallabies also made changes to their tight five, with Tupou back from injury to replace Allan Alaalatoa, who suffered a concussion in Perth.
“It’s great to have Taniela back this week and he’s extremely excited to pull on the gold jersey in his hometown,” said Rennie.
With lock Darcy Swain serving a two-match ban after being sent off for headbutting Jonny Hill in the first Test, Matt Philip returns to the starting side as the chief lineout caller.
Veteran lock Cadeyrn Neville and hooker David Porecki, who made their debuts in Perth, both retain their places with lock Nick Frost a potential debutant off the bench.
“Equally Jordy [Petaia] is looking forward to the opportunity at fullback and of course it will be a proud night for Nick [Frost] and his family for his Test debut,” added Rennie.
In the other change, Len Ikitau is dropped at outside centre, with the hard-charging Hunter Paisami preferred.
Playmaker Noah Lolesio kept his spot at flyhalf following an impressive performance in Perth when he was elevated to the starting side just minutes before kick-off after Quade Cooper picked up a calf injury.
Cooper is not in the matchday 23 for Brisbane with James O’Connor on the bench as cover.
Australia – 15 Jordan Petaia, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Rob Leota, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 David Porecki, 1 Angus Bell.
Subs: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Scott Sio, 18 James Slipper, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Izaia Perese.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
