Loosehead prop Angus Bell will make his return from injury against South Africa in Perth on Saturday evening, in the Wallabies’ second Test of the Flight Centre Rugby Championship.
He’ll combine with his 2019 Under 20s teammate Josh Nasser, who earns his first Test start at hooker, and captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
Two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete also makes his return to the gold jersey, replacing the injured Filipo Daugunu on the left edge, with Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright retaining their places in the back three for the clash at Optus Stadium.
Western Force number nine Nic White earns his first start of the squad’s 2024 campaign, combining with Noah Lolesio in the halves for the seventh time at international level.
Casuarina Beach junior Angus Blyth returns to the matchday 23, joining Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, while the back row remains unchanged from last weekend with Rob Valetini, Perth product Carlo Tizzano and Harry Wilson the loose forward trio.
The midfield also remains unchanged with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau named in the centres.
Replacement loosehead prop James Slipper will take a step closer to becoming the most capped Wallaby of all time in what will be his 138th Test, leaving him just one short of George Gregan’s record of 139. His Brumbies teammate Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr are the substitute hooker and tighthead respectively.
Queensland’s Seru Uru is in line for a Test debut, named on the bench as forward cover alongside Bathurst’s own Tom Hooper.
Reds co-captain Tate McDermott and Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson have been selected as the replacement halves pairing while Max Jorgensen is another set for a potential Wallabies debut on Saturday evening.
The matchday 23 with three players who are sons of Wallabies in Angus Bell, Max Jorgensen and Josh Nasser.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “There’s some continuity and freshness in this team after a very physical test last weekend.”
“The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week. The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday.”
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1. Angus Bell (28 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Josh Nasser (3 Tests) – Easts Tigers
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (71 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
4. Angus Blyth (3 Tests) – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (33 Tests) – Randwick
6. Rob Valetini (43 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (1 Test) – University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (14 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Nic White (68 Tests) – Maitland Blacks
10. Noah Lolesio (20 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Marika Koroibete (59 Tests) – Nasinu Secondary College, Fiji
12. Hunter Paisami (28 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Len Ikitau (30 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andrew Kellaway (30 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (29 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (3 Tests) – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. James Slipper (137 Tests) – Bond Pirates
18. Zane Nonggorr (7 Tests) – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Tom Hooper (9 Tests) – Bathurst Bulldogs
20. Seru Uru* – Wests Bulldogs
21. Tate McDermott (32 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (9 Tests) – University of Queensland
23. Max Jorgensen* – Balmain Wolves
Wallabies 25 defeated Wales 16, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 36 defeated Wales 28 on Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies 40 defeated Georgia 29 on Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 7 defeated by South Africa 33, Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v South Africa, 5:45pm AWST, Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v Argentina, 8:00 am AEST, Sunday September 1 at Estadio Uno, La Plata
Wallabies v Argentina, 5:00 am AEST, Sunday September 8 at Estadio Colon, Santa Fe
Wallabies v New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, 5:05pm AEST, Saturday September 28 at Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wallabies v England, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday November 10, Twickenham, London
Wallabies v Wales, 3:10am AEDT, Monday November 18, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Wallabies v Scotland, 12:40am AEDT, Monday November 25, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies v Ireland, 2:10am, Sunday December 1, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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