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Milestone man James Slipper will run out for his 150th test when the Wallabies face the All Blacks in Auckland, as Joe Schmidt plots to wrestle back the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday. Slipper becomes the most capped Wallaby in history, a mark of his durability and consistency, and will pack down with Taniela Tupou in the front row.
Schmidt has made a string of changes after the stumble against the Pumas, with several big names returning but others falling to the casualty ward. Rob Valetini and Andrew Kellaway are the latest to join the injured list, leaving Schmidt juggling combinations yet again.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto finally earns his first start of the year after impressing during the Lions Tour. His physicality will be crucial in the absence of Will Skelton, who left a big hole in the Wallabies pack when he departed mid-Rugby Championship.
“We’ve got to be aware of what the All Blacks bring. Having coached a number of them, I know how dangerous they can be,” Schmidt said. “We would love to get a better start. As a coach I'm sick of watching us getting behind and having to fight our way back. But I am also incredibly admirable of the manner in which they do that.
Against the All Blacks, you can’t afford to give them that head start because they can just keep getting further away from you, particularly if we start overchasing the game and it becomes too loose.”
Valetini’s calf injury sees Tom Hooper retain his place at blindside, alongside Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson. Len Ikitau, arguably the form centre in world rugby right now, returns to partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in midfield, giving the Wallabies backline some much-needed stability.
At the back, Max Jorgensen gets his first real test at fullback. The 20-year-old has been electric on the wing, but the All Blacks are certain to target him with an aerial bombardment to see if he can handle the pressure. That shift pushes Harry Potter to one wing with Corey Toole on the other, adding plenty of speed but perhaps light on experience.
On the bench, Allan Alaalatoa makes his return from injury, while Brumbies skipper Ryan Lonergan is set for his Wallabies debut as replacement scrumhalf.
Australia Starting XV (1-15) James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Corey Toole, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen
Australia Replacements (16-23) Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Carlo Tizzano, Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed, Filipo Daugunu