The Wallabies are out to ignite their Rugby Championship campaign against the All Blacks in a rare afternoon Test match at Perth’s Optus Stadium (4pm kickoff AEST).
Australia won’t lack for motivation after being well beaten in the opening two Bledisloe Cup Tests and then stood up by the All Blacks in a game that had been scheduled for last weekend – a move that made coach Dave Rennie “bloody angry.”
Samu Kerevi has been fast tracked back into the Wallabies starting lineup, providing Rennie’s struggling side with a much needed shot of firepower for their final clash against the All Blacks in 2021.
The game-breaking centre hasn’t played a Test since the 2019 Rugby World Cup after moving to Japan to play his club rugby.
But after representing Australia in sevens at the Tokyo Olympics, Rennie has rushed the former Reds captain into action, replacing Matt To’omua at No.12.
Lock Izack Rodda has also been named on the bench and will wear Wallabies gold for the first time since the World Cup, returning to Australia following a stint in France.
But while Kerevi and Rodda’s selections were forecast by Rennie, he has sprung a major surprise at hooker.
Brumbies rake Folau Fainga’a has been named to start for his first Test action of 2021, replacing the France-bound Brandon Paenga-Amosa.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have named three Barrett brothers – Beauden, Scott and Jordie – in their starting lineup.
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