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Writer's pictureSanzaar Media

Schmidt keeps changes to a minimum

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has retained virtually the same XV for the second Bledilsoe Cup clash and final TRC match.

Schmidt has named Dylan Pietsch to start on the wing as he confirms his side to face the All Blacks in Saturday’s second Bledisloe Test in Wellington.

Schmidt has kept a settled side from the one that pushed the Kiwis all the way in Sydney, with Pietsch called into the starting side for Marika Koroibete (wrist).

It’s the 26-year-old’s maiden start in the gold jersey as he partners Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright in the back three.

Jake Gordon re-takes his position at scrumhalf as the lone other change to the starting side after missing the opening Test at Accor Stadium, partnering Noah Lolesio.

There has also been a shuffle of the backs replacements as Ben Donaldson and Josh Flook take their place in the side.

Donaldson started in the second Test against Argentina and replaces Tom Lynagh, who was an unused replacement in last Saturday’s defeat.

Meanwhile, Josh Flook has won the race to fill the void left by Pietsch’s elevation, set for his fourth appearance in the gold jersey after starting both Tests against Wales in July.

The forward pack remains uncharged as No 8 Harry Wilson once again takes the captaincy.

Schmidt has made one change to the forwards' reserves as Isaac Kailea comes in for James Slipper, who recently broke the record for most caps by an Australian in Test Rugby.

“We didn’t help ourselves last weekend falling behind early to a fast moving, high tempo All Blacks side," Schmidt said in a statement.

“We know we will need to start better than we did last week, with the physical edge and accuracy required.”


All Black starting XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke; 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara; 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Wallace Sititi; 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (capt); 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 David Havili.

Wallaby starting XV: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Dylan Pietsch; 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon; 8 Harry Wilson (capt), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini; 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost; 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell. Replacments: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Josh Flook.


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