McReight, Slipper and Tupou return for Ireland Test

Thu, Nov 28, 2024, 2:00 PM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Taniela Tupou returns to the Wallabies side for their final Test of 2024 against Ireland on Saturday afternoon (local time). Photo: Getty Images
Taniela Tupou returns to the Wallabies side for their final Test of 2024 against Ireland on Saturday afternoon (local time). Photo: Getty Images

Props James Slipper and Taniela Tupou will start for the Wallabies against Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday afternoon (local time).

The experienced duo will combine with Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the front row for what will be a significant night for the home side who will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ireland Rugby.

Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams pair up in the second row, with the latter having recovered from the illness which ruled him out of the Scotland Test.

Queensland’s Fraser McReight also returns to the starting line-up, for what is the side’s final Test of 2024. He’ll reunite with blindside flanker Rob Valetini and captain Harry Wilson in the loose forward trio.

Valetini is one of three players including Andrew Kellaway and Allan Alaalatoa who have played in all 13 Tests for the Wallabies this year.

Max Jorgensen starts on the left wing in the final change to the starting side from last weekend’s Test in Edinburgh, joining right winger Andrew Kellaway and fullback Tom Wright in the back three.

Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio will line up for their 29th Tests for Australia in the halves, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to partner in the midfield for the third Test on this year’s Spring Tour.

Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Alaalatoa will form the replacement front row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Langi Gleeson the remaining forward cover.

Tate McDermott is again the substitute scrumhalf, while West Harbour Junior Tane Edmed is in line to become Wallaby number 990 and the 19th Australian debutant this year, selected to come off the bench. Last weekend’s try scorer on debut Harry Potter has been named as the outside back replacement.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “It’s been a challenging year where we have grown a bit as a squad, and we have an opportunity to challenge ourselves again against what is a settled and cohesive Ireland team.”

“It’s going to be a big occasion at the Aviva with the 150th anniversary celebrations so I hope those in attendance get to enjoy a really good spectacle.”

Watch all the action on Stan Sport with every Wallabies Test streaming ad-free, live and on demand with Wallabies at home in 4K UHD.

Wallabies team to play Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday November 30 at 3:10pm GMT/2:10am AEDT (Sunday)

1. James Slipper (142 Tests) – Bond Pirates

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (19 Tests) – Southern Districts

3. Taniela Tupou (57 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (24 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Jeremy Williams (9 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (51 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (24 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (21 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (28 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors

10. Noah Lolesio (28 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

11. Max Jorgensen (6 Tests) – Balmain Wolves

12. Len Ikitau (38 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (3 Tests) – The Kings School

14. Andrew Kellaway (38 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

15. Tom Wright (36 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Billy Pollard (5 Tests) – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

17. Angus Bell (35 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

18. Allan Alaalatoa (79 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors

19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (40 Tests) - Randwick

20. Langi Gleeson (13 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins

21. Tate McDermott (40 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club

22. Tane Edmed* - West Harbour Juniors

23. Harry Potter (1 Test) - Moorabbin Rams

*denotes uncapped

Wallabies 2024 Tests
July Tests

Wallabies 25 defeated Wales 16, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies 36 defeated Wales 28 on Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne

Wallabies 40 defeated Georgia 29 on Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup

Wallabies 7 defeated by South Africa 33 on Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies 12 defeated by South Africa 30 on Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Wallabies 20 defeated Argentina 19 on Saturday August 31 at Estadio Uno, La Plata

Wallabies 27 defeated by Argentina 67 on Saturday September 7 at Estadio Colon, Santa Fe

Wallabies 28 defeated by New Zealand 31 on Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies 13 defeated by New Zealand 33 on Saturday September 28 at Sky Stadium, Wellington

Spring Tour

Wallabies 42 defeated England 37 on Saturday November 9 at Twickenham, London

Wallabies 52 defeated Wales 20 on Sunday November 17 at Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wallabies 13 defeated by Scotland 27 on Monday November 25, Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wallabies v Ireland, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday December 1, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Share
What a difference a year makes: Breaking down the Wallabies’ 2024 season
‘He's done a lot of heavy lifting’: Waugh working through Schmidt contract situation
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: how the Wallabies reacted to 'freak' signing's debut tour
The Wallabies have rallied around debutant Tane Edmed after his early head knock. Photo: Getty Images
Wallabies rally around Edmed after three-minute debut