The changes Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is likely to make for Bledisloe III
Expect some new and old faces in the Wallabies team for the third Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks as coach Dave Rennie looks to fix what went amiss in Auckland.
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The loss of Matt To’omua has put a serious dent in the Wallabies’ defensive line, adding to coach Dave Rennie’s selection headaches in preparation for the third Bledisloe Cup Test.
Australia hosts the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium next Saturday, having lost 27-7 at Eden Park after missing nearly 40 tackles, for which Rennie hinted some players would pay the price.
Here are the permutations the Wallabies will be considering for the must-win match, as they attempt to win the remaining two Bledisloes to end a 17-year losing streak to the Kiwis.
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MIDFIELD
Irae Simone suddenly looms as the likely option at No. 12 in place of To’omua, who suffered a serious adductor injury in Auckland.
The uncapped Simone was picked in the squad because of his physicality and defence, traits Rennie will value after the Wallabies were carved up through the middle by the All Blacks.
“Hunter [Paisami] filled in really well there for the majority of the game last week (after To’omua was taken off), Irae Simone was very strong for the Brumbies, he is a very strong communicator, he’s a strong option as well,” Rennie said.
While it would be a bold move to debut Simone in a Bledisloe Cup match with the series on the line, Rennie has so far shown no fear of making big selection gambles.
Simone was to have played in the trial match for NSW Waratahs against Argentina on Saturday before the Pumas pulled out because of player welfare issues, however Rennie won’t hold that against Simone.
“We’ve worked everyone really hard,” Rennie said.
“Even though we’ve had 40-odd guys at training, we’ve put a lot of work into them and we’re confident we can pick anyone from that group and they will be ready to go.”
Another option is to stick with Paisami, or move James O’Connor from five-eighth to inside centre, and start Noah Lolesio at No. 10 for his Test debut.
O’Connor has played Test rugby at inside centre and his experience and kicking game would aid Lolesio.
Reece Hodge is a less likely candidates for the No. 12 jersey.
OUTSIDE CENTRE
Jordan Petaia’s storming return to Test rugby last weekend makes him a strong contender to replace Paisami at No. 13.
Paisami has shown some strong signs in his opening two Tests, but lacks the attacking punch of Petaia, who the All Blacks struggled to handle in Auckland.
Rennie could keep Paisami at outside centre and play Petaia on the wing, though it appears centre or fullback will give Petaia most opportunities with ball-in-hand, which can only benefit Australia.
Hodge, who can cover any backline position outside halfback, is a less likely starter at No. 13.
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FULLBACK
Dane Haylett-Petty is expected to be at full fitness after recovering from knee and hip injuries, and will strongly challenge Tom Banks for the No. 15 jersey.
Haylett-Petty was the man who displaced Israel Folau from the Wallabies fullback spot at one stage and his poise under pressure will work in his favour.
To Banks’ credit, he has been strong in the opening two games, taking some pressure bombs and running strongly. But a couple of missed tackles and failure to make line breaks at Eden Park could cost him.
Winger Marika Koroibete, a star in attack, missed four tackles in Auckland and he may be the one to suffer Rennie’s wrath. One scenario is for Haylett-Petty, Petaia or Hodge to replace Koroibete, leaving Banks at fullback.
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FRONT ROW
Taniela Tupou replaced Allan Alaalatoa as starting tighthead prop in Wellington and after a strong showing in Wellington kept the No. 3 jersey.
However, the Tongan Thor struggled in the scrum at times last week and also missed two tackles, opening the door for Alaalatoa to reclaim the starting spot.
Tupou remains the more dynamic ballrunner, but Rennie’s decision to take him off at halftime last week may be an indication of a change in preference.
Hooker has been a contentious position for some time for the Wallabies. While Australia lost last weekend, Brandon Paenga-Amosa was a solid performer in his first Test after a two-year absence, losing just one throw compared to three by predecessor Folau Fainga’a the previous week.
James Slipper’s strong scrum work and tackling is likely to see him retain the loosehead jersey ahead of Scott Sio.
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LOCK
The Wallabies had a more reliable lineout in Auckland, after Rennie added jumping backrower Ned Hanigan.
Matt Philip has been a revelation this year; strong in the set-piece, defence and ruck.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto made some good runs late in Auckland, but missing four tackles has heaped pressure on the loosehead lock.
Rob Simmons could be considered to start if Rennie wants to make a ruthless statement, however Salakaia-Loto has more attacking versatility.
BACKROW
Hanigan was the most contentious selection for Auckland, but the NSW forward made an impressive return to the Test arena.
He was Australia’s top tackler, made the break to set up Koroibete’s try, and won a breakdown turnover.
Hanigan had replaced Pete Samu in the backrow, and Rennie indicated Samu had some areas to improve that are unlikely to have resolved themselves in a fortnight.
Liam Wright came off the bench but while he has a brighter future than Hanigan, probably didn’t do enough to dislodge Hanigan from the No. 6 jersey.
Michael Hooper missed a number of tackles but also made plenty – being captain won’t threaten his spot.
Harry Wilson climbed from a hospital bed on Friday – due to an infected foot – to play last Sunday and again is unlikely to be dropped given his versatility and strong performances.
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Originally published as The changes Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is likely to make for Bledisloe III