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nations-championship
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss opted for Declan Meredith at fly-half Nations Championship conflict against England at the Allianz Stadium.
Recent John Eales Medal winner Fraser McReight will play 50 games for the Wallabies at Twickenham, named alongside Jeremy Williams and captain Harry Wilson in the back row.
Wallabies prop Angus Bell returns after missing the Bledisloe Cup defeats, starting in a loose side with Billy Pollard at ruck and Allan Alaalatoa on the bench.
It’s all Queensland Red partnership in the second row, with Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakai-Lotto rounding out the tight five.
Ryan Lonergan is trusted at full-back and Meredith has been given the nod in the all-important scrum-half role after a promising performance in Sydney against All black people.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen provide the firepower on both wings, with the ever-reliable Tom Wright at full-back. Arguably Australia’s best player, Len Ikitau, also returns to the starting line-up after missing most of the Bledisloe Cup series, partnering Isaac Henry in midfield.
Taniela Tupou and Rob Valitini lead a strong bench, which includes Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson and Filipo Daugunu as back line replacement.
“The whole squad has traveled well and prepared with fantastic energy and excitement for this weekend,” said the Wallabies head coach.
“Playing England on their home turf – at a legendary venue like Twickenham – is a huge challenge and another great opportunity for us to test ourselves against the world class and continue to build our game.”
The Wallabies currently sit third in the Southern Hemisphere Nations Championship table with eight points from three Tests.
The side of the kiss will then travel to Edinburgh to fight against Scotland, before fighting Wales in Cardiff a week later, before the final weekend in London.
The Wallabies team play England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in London on Monday 9 November at 2:10am AEDT
1. Angus Bell (60 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Billy Pollard (26 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
3. Allan Alaalatoa (96 Tests) #896; West Harbor Juniors
4. Josh Canham (9 tests) – #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Lotto (50 tests) – #914; Randwick Rugby
6. Jeremy Williams (35 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
7. Fraser McReight (49 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (45 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (15 Tests) – #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (5 Tests) – #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (27 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
12. Len Ikitau (56 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Isaac Henry (6 Tests) – #999; Kenmore Bears
14. Max Jorgensen (30 tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (53 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutions
16. Josh Nasser (18 Tests) – #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
17. Isaac Kailea (9 Tests) – #975; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
18. Daniel Tupou (74 tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby
19. Rob Valitini (71 tests) – #929; Harlequins Junior Rugby Club
20. Carlo Tizzano (18 tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Tate McDermott (57 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (27 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (25 tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
