Pietsch thrust into Wallabies starting side for second Bledisloe Cup Test

Thu, Sep 26, 2024, 1:28 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies host the All Blacks in Round 5 of The Rugby Championship in an afternoon Test at Accor Stadium.

Wallabies coach Joe 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).

Watch the 2024 Bledisloe Cup series live, ad-free and exclusive on Stan Sport.

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 scrum half 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 sub in 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 number eight 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.”

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday September 28 at 5:05pm AEST

1. Angus Bell (32 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

2. Matt Faessler (11 Tests) – USQ Saints

3. Taniela Tupou (55 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (20 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Jeremy Williams (7 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (47 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (21 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (18 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (26 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors

10. Noah Lolesio (24 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

11. Dylan Pietsch (3 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms

12. Hunter Paisami (30 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

13. Len Ikitau (34 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

14. Andrew Kellaway (34 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

15. Tom Wright (32 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (15 Tests) – Southern Districts

17. Isaac Kailea (5 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

18. Allan Alaalatoa (75 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors

19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (36 Tests) - Randwick

20. Langi Gleeson (8 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins

21. Tate McDermott (36 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club

22. Ben Donaldson (12 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

23. Josh Flook (3 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

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