MELBOURNE (Reuters) – James Slipper will captain Australia and Charlie Cale will start in the back row in the second and final test against Wales after Liam Wright was ruled out of Saturday’s clash in Melbourne.
Coach Joe Schmidt sprang a surprise by picking Wright as captain for the Wallabies’ series-opening 25-16 win over the Welsh in Sydney last week but the Queensland Reds flanker has been ruled out injured.
His omission sees Rob Valetini shift to blindside flanker and Cale come in at number eight in the only change to the starting 15 named on Thursday.
Hooker Josh Nasser will hope to debut from the bench and become the 13th son of a Wallaby to wear the gold jersey, following the path of his father Brendan.
Langi Gleeson takes Cale’s spot in the reserves, while Nic White replaces Tate McDermott as backup scrumhalf to Jake Gordon.
Ben Donaldson has replaced flyhalf Tom Lynagh on the bench following reports that Lynagh was an injury doubt for the match.
“We found out a bit about ourselves last week and are looking forward to learning a bit more on Saturday night,” Schmidt said in a Wallabies media release.
“We’ve worked hard again this week in Melbourne and will be going out to earn the support of those in the stands and those at home on Saturday night.”
Team: 15-Tom Wright, 14-Andrew Kellaway, 13-Josh Flook, 12-Hunter Paisami, 11-Filipo Daugunu, 10-Noah Lolesio, 9-Jake Gordon, 8-Charlie Cale, 7-Fraser McReight, 6-Rob Valetini, 5-Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4-Jeremy Williams, 3-Taniela Tupou, 2-Matt Faessler, 1-James Slipper (capt)
Replacements: 16-Josh Nasser, 17-Isaac Kailea, 18-Allan Alaalatoa, 19-Angus Blyth, 20-Langi Gleeson, 21-Nic White, 22-Ben Donaldson, 23-Dylan Pietsch.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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