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Koroibete snubbed for Springboks Test in Wallaby shock
Marika Koroibete is the glaring omission from the Wallabies team to tackle the back-to-back world champion Springboks in Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener in Brisbane.
Coach Joe Schmidt used the Giteau Law to lure Koroibete back from Japan for the showdown but has opted against including the two-time John Eales Medallist even on the bench.
Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu will instead be the starting wingers at Suncorp Stadium as Schmidt lived up to his word of looking to the future.
In seemingly unveiling his best available line-up, Schmidt has revealed Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio as his preferred halves pairing.
Queensland teammates Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will come off the bench.
The fellow Reds midfield combination of Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau will start in the centres, with in-form Tom Wright named at fullback for a fourth straight Test under Schmidt.
In the forwards, West Australian junior Carlo Tizzano will make his Test debut at openside flanker, joining Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson in the back row.
Allan Alaalatoa will again captain the side as the starting tighthead prop, combining with hooker Matt Faessler and Isaac Kailea in the front row.
Powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou wasn’t considered following the death of his father this week.Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will start in the second row.
“There’s a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there’s still plenty to work on,” Schmidt said.”We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward.”
Wallabies: Isaac Kailea, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa (capt), Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright. Res: Josh Nasser, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Luke Reimer, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch.
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