MY ACCOUNT
Quade Cooper will make a remarkable return for the Wallabies after being named to play for the first time since 2017 when Australia face South Africa on Sunday.
Cooper had been part of Australia’s squad for the Bledisloe Cup against New Zealand, but was not used in any of the three Tests which the All Blacks comfortably won.
Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has rolled the dice for the Rugby Championship showdown against South Africa on the Gold Coast, with 33-year-old Cooper named at fly-half, displacing 21-year-old Noah Lolesio.
Cooper’s career has taken several turns since his last cap in 2017 against Italy, frozen out at Brad Thorn’s Reds in Super Rugby, before a one-year stint at the Rebels and a move to play in Japan in 2019.
“He’s had a really positive impact since joining the group, put pressure on us as selectors and he’s excited to get out there and perform on Sunday night,” Rennie said.
Angus Bell will earn his first start in the front-row, while Izack Rodda also comes into the starting line-up, with the backline unchanged.
Wallabies hooker Feleti Kaitu’u and back-rower Rob Leota are in line for debuts off the bench.
The match will see Australia captain Michael Hooper equal George Gregan’s record for most Tests as Wallabies skipper when he steps out for the 59th time.
Meanwhile, Brodie Retallick has been named as captain for New Zealand after a head knock to Ardie Savea ahead of their Test against Argentina on Sunday.
Hooker Asafo Aumua will make his first Test start for the All Blacks, while prop Joe Moody returns following foot surgery via the bench.
“Brodie is a great leader in this team and we don’t take his leadership for granted,” said All Blacks coach Ian Foster. “We think this is a great honour for him, and he and his family can be hugely proud.
“He’s playing really well and leads from the front. He has come back into the black jersey this year and just picked up where he left off.
“He also has an experienced partner in Beaudy [Barrett] alongside him who is bringing a calmness to the team and a sense of direction and we’re seeing that in the way he plays.”
Australia: Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Tate McDermott; Angus Bell, Folau Fainga’a, Allan Alaalatoa, Izack Rodda, Matt Philip, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Rob Valetini.
Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia.
New Zealand: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Karl Tu’inukuafe, Asafo Aumua, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Joe Moody, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’I, Ethan Blackadder, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Rieko Ioane.
