White on bench for Wallabies

By Mark Stevens
26/7/19

Exeter Chiefs half-back Nic White has been named amongst Australia's replacements for tomorrow’s Mitsubishi Estate Rugby Championship clash with Argentina at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

White, who started in the No.9 jersey for the first time in four years against South Africa last weekend, is one of five changes Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made to his starting 15.

Scott Sio is the only change to the forward pack as the 55-Test veteran returns from a hamstring injury, while Will Genia, Christian Lealiifano, Marika Koroibete and Kurtley Beale will all start in a new-look backline as combinations continue to be tested before the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

Saturday’s clash will be a memorable occasion for Genia, with the half-back set to play his last-ever game at Suncorp Stadium following his decision to retire from Test Rugby at the end of 2019.

Suncorp Stadium has proved a happy hunting ground for the wily number 9, who currently boasts 10 wins from his 12 games in Wallaby Gold at the venue.

The Test against Argentina will also mark the inspirational return of Christian Lealiifano to the International arena. The 31-year old fly-half last played for the Wallabies in June 2016 against England, and has now returned to top form following a battle with leukaemia.

Meanwhile it’s a homecoming for utility James O’Connor who is set to play his first Test in almost six years (2142 days) after being named amongst the reserves. O’Connor signed for the Queensland Reds last week but missed selection for the Test against South Africa.

Luke Jones is also in line to cap his Test return with the flanker to wear the Wallabies jersey for just the fourth time in career and for the first time since the 2014 Spring Tour.

Australia have lost just one of their last eight games against Argentina, although that defeat came on home soil last year on the Gold Coast. The Wallabies exacted some revenge in the return fixture after recording the biggest come-from-behind victory in tier-one Test history to secure a 45-34 victory in Salta, Argentina.

The Pumas, meanwhile, have included former Chief Santiago Cordero in their starting line-up for the fixture. He starts on the right wing having been recalled to their squad earlier this week.

Qantas Wallabies team to play Argentina at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

1. Scott Sio (55 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (8 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (104 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (18 Tests)
5. Rory Arnold (20 Tests)
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (12 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (capt) (92 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani (1 Test)
9. Will Genia (101 Tests)
10. Christian Lealiifano (19 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (20 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (26 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (59 Tests)
14. Reece Hodge (34 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (84 Tests)

Replacements

16. Tolu Latu (12 Tests)
17. James Slipper (87 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (12 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (95 Tests)
20. Luke Jones (3 Tests)
21. Nic White (23 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (43 Tests)
23. James O’Connor (44 Tests)

2019 Mitsubishi Estate Rugby Championship

South Africa 35 v 17 Qantas Wallabies at Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday 20 July

Qantas Wallabies v Argentina at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 27 July at 7.45pm AEST

Qantas Wallabies v New Zealand at Optus Stadium, Perth, Saturday 10 August at 7.45pm AEST

2019 Mitsubishi Estate Bledisloe Cup (second Test)

New Zealand v Qantas Wallabies at Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 17 August at 5.35pm AEST

Take-off Test

Qantas Wallabies v Samoa at Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta, Saturday 7 September at 7.30pm AEST