Rob Valetini, who recently received the John Eales Medal, will take the field for the Wallabies in their upcoming match against England on Sunday. In a noteworthy change, veteran centre Samu Kerevi will not be part of the squad. Langi Gleeson, another Fijian talent, is included in the reserves.
The game will also mark a significant milestone for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, as he is set to make his debut with the Wallabies under coach Joe Schmidt, joining the match in the centre position. His presence leads to a shift for Samu Kerevi, moving Ikitau to inside centre for the first time in international play.
This marks the only change from the previous Bledisloe Cup match, as Schmidt maintains consistency within the team, beginning with a strong front-row lineup of Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, and Taniela Tupou. Despite the return of former captain Will Skelton, the squad opted to stick with Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams in the second row.
Valetini’s appearance in his 49th Test brings him closer to the milestone of 50 games in gold. Harry Wilson, who retains the captaincy, will partner with Fraser McReight in the back row. The halfback combination of Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio remains unchanged, complemented by a back three consisting of Dylan Pietsch, Andrew Kellaway, and Tom Wright.
In terms of substitutes, there are two adjustments, with Wallaby Test cap record holder James Slipper returning to the lineup. Upon entering the match, Slipper will join the ranks of players with over 141 Test caps, an achievement shared with the legendary Brian O’Driscoll from Ireland. Additionally, Max Jorgensen is back in the fold after recovering from an illness.
Schmidt expressed confidence in the team’s acclimatization to travel and preparation for the match, noting the excitement of playing in front of passionate crowds in some of the most iconic rugby stadiums globally. The match will kick off at 3:10 AM on Sunday at the Allianz Stadium in London.
Commentary: This game promises to be an exciting encounter as new talents make their mark and experienced players share their wisdom on the field. The Wallabies are evidently focused and resilient, demonstrating their commitment to adapt and tackle challenges head-on. It’s an exciting time for both the team and fans, as they look forward to seeing the next generation of stars, like Suaalii, showcase their skills on a grand stage.
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