Sports

Rugby champions news: Australia makes six changes to South Africa | New Zealand keeps faith with XV | News about Rugby Union


Reece Hodge will start the Test on Saturday

Reece Hodge will start the Test on Saturday

Australia coach Dave Rennie made six changes to his starting XV for the Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Adelaide on Saturday as he welcomed a host of players healthy again.

Noah Lolesio will start at half-time in place of the dropped James O’Connor, while Reece Hodge has been promoted to full-back as Rennie uses his phenomenal boots to deal damage in front of the houses. The champion of the world.

“With Hodgey at the back, it gives us a big game that we think is going to be important,” Rennie said on Thursday.

“His ability to define space and find grass with his big, explosive boot was a big reason why we chose him.”

Hodge’s promotion sent Tom Wright back to the wing after the ACT Brumbies speedster struggled with the ball high inside the Argentina 48-17 penalty area in San Juan.

Australia suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Argentina two weeks ago

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

Australia suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Argentina two weeks ago

Australia suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Argentina two weeks ago

Andrew Kellaway is considered for a starting place in the third line of defense after recovering from a hamstring injury, said Rennie, but he will be comfortable coming off the bench instead.

Hooker Folau Fainga’a and Hunter Paisami inside center will start after recovering from headers, while backing Allan Alaalatoa is also back in the lead after a personal absence from San Juan.

Alaalatoa’s recall put Taniela Tupou on the bench, and Rennie demanded more from the Queensland Reds’ tutoring after his subdued performance in San Juan.

“I know that well,” said Rennie. “I was quite disappointed with my attempt on the second test.”

“We know he’s a very good hitter but we expect him to be dominant with and without the ball.”

Matt Philip will start in the second row in place of demoted Darcy Swain, while Dave Porecki has returned from the concussion to provide cover for whores on the bench.

Loosehead support James Slipper will lead the team again as regular captain Michael Hooper remains unavailable due to health reasons.

Like the hosts, South Africa will be eager to bounce back at the Adelaide Oval from a home defeat to the resurgent All Blacks at Ellis Park.

Rennie nodded to Lolesio at 10 years old

Rennie nodded to Lolesio at 10 years old

Led by half-fly Quade Cooper, Australia beat the Springboks in the Tests at the Rugby Championships last year.

Cooper is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury, however, putting pressure on Lolesio in his first test since being knocked out after struggling in a decisive loss to England in Sydney.

“He was not a disaster (in the game against England) but he was certainly not as good as he was in Test One,” Rennie said.

“He’s well-trained,” said Rennie. “Noahs had a chance to try and make that shirt.”

Australia: 15. Reece Hodge, 14. Tom Wright, 13. Len Ikitau, 12. Hunter Paisami, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Noah Lolesio, 9. Nic White; 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Jed Holloway, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Rob Veletini.

Replace: 16. Dave Porecki, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Darcy Swain, 20. Rob Leota, 21. Pete Samu, 22. Tate McDermott, 23. Andrew McKellaway.

Barrett ruled out as All Blacks XV unchanged

Meanwhile, Coach Ian Foster only offered a mandatory change to the All Blacks for their Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday, with flyer Stephen unequipped Perofeta replaces the injured Beauden Barrett in the reserve team.

Barrett was ruled out after suffering a neck injury in training, paving the way for Auckland Blues mainstay Perofeta to make his debut from the bench.

“He’s been pretty impressive backstage,” Foster told reporters on Thursday of 25-year-old Perofeta, who will also assist at full-back.

“And the opportunity came… The team was excited about it, putting a lot of faith in him.”

After a home loss to Ireland and the opening goal at the Mbombela Rugby Championship against South Africa, the All Blacks returned to form with an impressive 35-23 win over the Springboks at their Johannesburg stronghold, Ellis Park.

New Zealand is back with a thrilling victory over South Africa in Ellis . Park

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

New Zealand is back with a thrilling victory over South Africa in Ellis . Park

New Zealand is back with a thrilling victory over South Africa in Ellis . Park

Back in Christchurch for the first time since 2016, the All Blacks face a resurgent Argentina, who beat Australia 48-17 in San Juan after losing to the Wallabies in Mendoza.

“I’m really happy with the work of the whole team and there are some guys who are really trying hard to get their time but I think that team did a great job,” Foster said of his pick. .

“So it’s a good chance for them to go again.”

Foster said Barrett’s neck was stiff but was not advised by paramedics that he would have to miss his second test against Argentina in Hamilton next week.

The All Blacks will begin their first game with select Joe Schmidt taking on more of the role of offensive coach and strategist on Foster’s team.

Recently appointed forwards coach Jason Ryan was also named as a permanent pick in the table along with Schmidt and Foster.

“That’s always been our intention,” Foster said.

“It’s really important that Joe and I have a strong voice of choice on our team.”

New Zealand: 15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Will Jordan, 13. Rieko Ioane, 12. David Havili, 11. Caleb Clarke, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 9. Aaron Smith; 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Sam Whitelock, 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Sam Cane (captain), 8. Ardie Savea.

Replace: 16. Codie Taylor, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Tupou Vaa’i, 20. Akira Ioane, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Stephen Perofeta, 23. Quinn Tupaea.

Watch Australia vs South Africa and New Zealand vs Australia live on Sky Sports Stadium and Main Event from 6:20am on Saturday.





Source link

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button