O’Connor Starts at Flyhalf as Slipper Reaches 150 Test Caps

Australia’s rugby team has announced significant changes ahead of their crucial Rugby Championship match against New Zealand on Saturday. Flyhalf James O’Connor will don the number 10 jersey, while James Slipper will mark a historic milestone as he becomes the first Wallaby to earn his 150th test cap.

O’Connor’s recent travels took him from England, where he joined the Leicester Tigers, back to Australia after being selected by head coach Joe Schmidt for the final two tests against the All Blacks. The 35-year-old replaces Tane Edmed, who has been moved to the bench following a challenging debut that contributed to the Wallabies’ narrow 28-26 loss to Argentina.

At 36, Slipper’s achievement comes fifteen years after his debut against England in 2010, making him the third player to reach the 150-cap milestone, joining notable figures like Alun Wyn Jones of Wales and Sam Whitelock from New Zealand. This match at Eden Park holds additional significance as the Wallabies aim to break the All Blacks’ remarkable 51-game unbeaten streak at this venue, a run that dates back to their last defeat to France in 1994.

The match will also see Tate McDermott celebrating his 50th test cap as the starting scrumhalf. Meanwhile, Ryan Lonergan is set to make his debut off the bench, following the retirement of Nic White.

With Andrew Kellaway sidelined due to a calf strain, Max Jorgensen will take over at fullback, and Harry Potter will start on the right wing. Len Ikitau returns to the midfield, replacing Hunter Paisami, after overcoming a knee injury that kept him out of the previous test.

In further lineup changes, Tom Hooper will step in for the injured Rob Valetini at blindside flanker. Hooper will shift back from the second row to accommodate Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who will start alongside Nick Frost, replacing Jeremy Williams. Allan Alaalatoa has also recovered from a shoulder injury and will feature from the bench for his first Rugby Championship appearance.

Australia currently leads the Rugby Championship by just one point ahead of South Africa and New Zealand. A victory over the All Blacks, especially with a bonus point, could secure their position at the top.

The full match-day squad includes:
– 15: Max Jorgensen
– 14: Harry Potter
– 13: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
– 12: Len Ikitau
– 11: Corey Toole
– 10: James O’Connor
– 9: Tate McDermott
– 8: Harry Wilson (captain)
– 7: Fraser McReight
– 6: Tom Hooper
– 5: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
– 4: Nick Frost
– 3: Taniela Tupou
– 2: Billy Pollard
– 1: James Slipper

Replacements:
– 16: Brandon Paenga-Amosa
– 17: Angus Bell
– 18: Allan Alaalatoa
– 19: Jeremy Williams
– 20: Carlo Tizzano
– 21: Ryan Lonergan
– 22: Tane Edmed
– 23: Filipo Daugunu

With a mix of experience and fresh talent, the Wallabies are poised for a challenging encounter against their rivals.