Marika Koroibete returns to Australia line up for Rugby Championship opener
Australia head coach Dave Rennie
©PA
Australia winger Marika Koroibete has returned to the starting line-up for the must-win Bledisloe Cup game against New Zealand to be played at Eden Park on Saturday.
Koroibete missed the encounter last weekend after he along with team-mates Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa’amausili for disciplinary reasons for breaching team protocols after involving in a late-night drinking session.
The 29-year-old comes at left wing in the place of Andrew Kellaway and is among the five changes made by head coach Dave Rennie. Tom Wright comes at right wing at the expense of Jordan Petaia.
With Matt Toomua recalled at inside centre, Hunter Paisami shifts to outside with Len Ikitau drops to the bench. Noah Lolesio continues to take the kicking responsibility forming half back partnership with Tate McDermott.
Rob Valetini shifts to number eight with Michael Hooper and Lachlan Swinton positioned at openside and blindside respectively. Darcy Swain is joined by Matt Phillip at second row after he gains promotion from the bench while the front row sees Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and James Slipper retained.
“Eden Park is a place that most teams fear but we’re excited to get another crack after last weekend’s disappointment,” Rennie said.
“To beat New Zealand, you have to win the collisions and be clinical for 80 minutes and we didn’t do that. We’ve got a lot more in us and we’ll show that on Saturday night.”
After losing the opening game 18-33, Australia will need to win the weekend's encounter to keep their hope of winning Bledisloe Cup alive as they head to Perth for the third game scheduled on 28th August.
Australia: Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Hunter Paisami, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (capt), Lachlan Swinton, Matt Phillip, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper.
Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson, Nic White, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge.
