Former captain Michael Hooper will make a return to the Wallabies for the first time since July when they take on Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend.
Michael Hooper
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hooper asked to return home when the Wallabies were in Argentina at the start of the Rugby Championship three months ago and later explained it was because of family and mental health issues.
He missed all six matches of the Rugby Championship but returns on the flank for the first of five tests in Europe as the Wallabies put in some solid preparation ahead of next year’s World Cup in France.
James Slipper continues as captain with Hooper to earn a 122nd cap in a reshuffled loose trio after the last Wallaby clash, a 40-14 loss to New Zealand in Auckland on Sept. 24, with Jed Holloway selected at blindside flanker and Rob Valetini moving back to number eight.
There are also returns to the starting line-up for Tate McDermott at scrumhalf, partnering Bernard Foley who was brought back during the Rugby Championship after a three-year absence to offer more options at flyhalf.
Tom Banks starts at fullback after making a successful return from a broken arm during the Australia A tour of Japan with Andrew Kellaway shifted onto the right wing.
“We’re rapt for Hoops. He’s been outstanding both on and off the field since re-entering the environment and he can’t wait to pull on the gold jersey again,” said coach Dave Rennie.
“Likewise for Tate who has been working really hard and deserves his opportunity to start, while Banksy has shown resilience to come back from another serious injury to earn his spot in the team.”
Hunter Paisami returns at inside centre while Nick Frost makes his second start, partnering ACT Brumbies team mate Cadeyrn Neville in the second row.
Queensland fullback Jock Campbell is in line for his test debut, named on the substitutes bench
Australia play France, Italy, Ireland and Wales on successive weekends after Sunday morning’s test.
Team: 15-Tom Banks, 14-Andrew Kellaway, 13-Len Ikitau, 12-Hunter Paisami, 11-Tom Wright, 10-Bernard Foley, 9-Tate McDermott, 8-Rob Valetini, 7-Michael Hooper, 6-Jed Holloway, 5-Cadeyrn Neville 4-Nick Frost, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 2-Dave Porecki, 1-James Slipper (captain)
Replacements: 16-Folau Fainga’a, 17-Matt Gibbon, 18-Taniela Tupou, 19-Ned Hanigan, 20-Pete Samu, 21-Nic White, 22-Noah Lolesio, 23-Jock Campbell.
-Reuters
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