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Wallabies announce exciting lineup changes for second Test against Wales

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Winger Filipo Daugunu and the powerful Rob Valetini will start for the Wallabies in the second Test against Wales in Melbourne this Saturday.

Daugunu will take the left wing position, while Valetini will play as the blindside flanker.

Additionally, Waratahs’ Number 8 Langi Gleeson, another Fijian, has been added to the Match Day 23 and will be in the reserves.

Prop James Slipper will captain the team, filling in for backrower Liam Wright, who is out due to injury.

This marks the 15th time the 35-year-old Slipper has captained Australia, recently breaking the record for the most caps for a front-rower.

In Wright’s absence, Slipper’s Brumbies teammate, Charlie Cale, will make his debut start at number eight, pushing Valetini to blindside flanker, as they play together at the Brumbies.

This is the only change to the starting lineup, but Coach Joe Schmidt has made several changes to the bench, including potential debutant Josh Nasser.

Nasser, the son of former Wallaby Brendan, will join Isaac Kailea and Allan Alaalatoa as the front-row replacements.

Gleeson is set for his first appearance for the Wallabies in 2024, alongside Angus Blyth.

The changes are rounded out by the Western Force duo Nic White and Ben Donaldson, providing an experienced combination off the bench with Dylan Pietsch.

The Wallabies will wear their First Nations jersey in recognition of NAIDOC week. The match will kick off at 9.45pm.

Wallabies (1-15): James Slipper (C), Matt Faessler, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Charlie Cale, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright.

Reserves: Josh Nasser, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Langi Gleeson, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch.

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