A wrist injury to Marika Koroibete has paved the way for winger Dylan Pietsch to make his first start for the Wallabies, while Jake Gordon returns to the squad as Australia aims to end a 23-year drought and secure a Bledisloe Cup victory.
Pietsch and Gordon are the two changes to the Wallabies XV, which is tasked with securing their first win over the All Blacks in New Zealand in over two decades. Gordon resumes his position at scrumhalf after Nic White filled the role in last Saturday’s narrow 31-28 loss in Sydney, while Koroibete’s absence opens the door for Pietsch.
The veteran winger sustained his injury during the Bledisloe Cup opener but was still taken to New Zealand as the injury wasn’t severe enough to rule him out. “It wasn’t too bad post-game, but the morning after it was pretty uncomfortable and swelled up on the flight across,” said coach Schmidt. “We’ve had it scanned, and there’s no serious damage, but it’s still quite inflamed and uncomfortable, so he’s not ready to play.”
Koroibete has been a key player for the national team for several years but has been underperforming as Australia struggles at the bottom of the Rugby Championship standings. Schmidt addressed the possibility of dropping Koroibete even if he wasn’t injured, saying, “That’s a moot question. Some of his handling was compromised a little bit with that wrist during the last game. We’ve got confidence in the squad and are trying to grow the depth, so it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up.”
The absence of Koroibete, White, and James Slipper, who also misses out due to a head injury, means there will be a significant experience gap in Wellington. The starting Wallabies side has 394 Tests combined, with only Taniela Tupou having more than 50 caps.
Gordon will partner with Noah Lolesio in the halves, while the starting forward pack remains unchanged since last year’s World Cup opener. Tate McDermott will again start from the bench. Other changes include Tom Lynagh losing his bench spot to Ben Donaldson, and Josh Flook providing extra backline cover.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made changes in the backline, moving Damian McKenzie from No 10 as he seeks to address New Zealand’s inconsistent form. Beauden Barrett will start at five-eighth, a position he hasn’t started in since 2022.
McKenzie, who has been picked in all eight Tests this year, will start from the bench in Wellington. Robertson denied McKenzie had been dropped, stating, “He’s had a great season to date. We always planned to give Beauden a go.”
Jordie Barrett is out with a knee injury, and Cortez Ratima has also moved to the reserves. TJ Perenara comes in at No 9 with Anton-Lienert Brown at No 12. New Zealand’s team will be packed with experience, with all but one player having at least 20 Tests.
Both Perenara and former captain Sam Cane, who will earn his 100th cap, are likely to play their last game for the All Blacks in New Zealand. They are both set to play club rugby in Japan next season, making them ineligible for selection. “This will be a particularly special night for Sam and TJ, and the team will honor their contributions,” said Robertson.
