The Wallabies will finally unleash Suliasi Vunivalu in the Test arena after the former NRL star was named on the bench for Saturday’s series decider against England at the SCG.
The flying winger has shown flashes of his immense potential with the Queensland Reds but injuries have prevented him from stringing consistent performances together.
But with the series on the line, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has decided the time is right to see if Vunivalu can handle the pressure of international rugby as James O’Connor makes way on the bench.
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Rennie has made four changes to the starting XV following the 25-17 loss in Brisbane.
Fullback Reece Hodge and flanker Harry Wilson will get their first taste of Test rugby in 2022 while lock Nick Frost makes his debut start after a cameo off the bench last week.
The final change sees veteran loosehead prop James Slipper promoted in place of young tyro Angus Bell.
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Hodge is Australia’s fourth choice fullback following injuries to Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway and Jordan Petaia – and he will also cover five-eighth with O’Connor out.
Wilson, usually a No.8, is chosen on the blindside as Rob Leota drops back to the bench to provide back row and lock cover.
Len Ikitau returns from injury on the bench as Hunter Paisami retains his starting spot at outside centre.
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And sparky halfback Tate McDermott is also included among the reserves for the first time this series in place of Waratahs captain Jake Gordon.
“Harry and Reece are both super excited to wear the Wallaby gold for the first time this year and have trained extremely well,” Rennie said.
“We know we’re a much better team than how we played in Brisbane and we’ve had a good week of preparation which will allow us to put in a performance that makes Australians proud on Saturday night.
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“As a squad we have an opportunity to go to Sydney and lift some silverware in a series decider and that’s something that highly motivates us.”
WALLABIES (15-1): Reece Hodge, Tom Wright, Hunter Paisami, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (c), Harry Wilson, Matt Philip, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, David Porecki, James Slipper
Reserves: Folau Fainga’a, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, Len Ikitau, Suliasi Vunivalu
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