Wallabies stick with Perth heroes for Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park

Wallabies stick with Perth heroes for Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park

Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has kept faith with the team that defeated the Springboks in Perth, making just one enforced change to his starting XV for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland.

With centre Hunter Paisami ruled out through suspension, Isaac Henry has been named in the starting midfield alongside Len Ikitau. The remainder of the run-on team remains unchanged from the side that shocked the Boks 42-38 in Perth.

The selection of Henry in the centres means that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is once again included on the wing after a successful first start for the Wallabies in the position against South Africa, where he impressed under the high ball in particular.

Max Jorgensen features on the right-hand side whilst Tom Wright continues at full-back. Ryan Lonergan and Ben Donaldson are the starting half-backs once again.

Harry Wilson will captain the Wallabies from the number eight jersey, and is flanked by Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight, with Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto named in the second row. Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa will earn his 95th appearance in gold, combining with loosehead prop Angus Bell and hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the front row.

While Kiss has made just one enforced change to his starting lineup, he has made further changes to his bench, reverting back to a 5-3 split for the meeting with the All Blacks.

"Keeping consistency in the starting side gives us a solid foundation, while adding some freshness on the bench will provide energy late in the game," Wallabies coach Kiss said.

"There aren't many tougher challenges than playing New Zealand at Eden Park, but it's one we're excited by and know that we will need to be at our best in all aspects of our game."

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.

Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Lachlan Shaw, 20 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Declan Meredith, 23 Harry Potter.

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