Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named an unchanged starting XV for the first time in his International coaching career, ahead of Saturday night's Test against South Africa in Sydney.
The eToro Rugby Championship clash will be the first International event held at the brand new, state-of-the-art venue in front of a sold out 42,500 spectators.
James Slipper will captain the side at loosehead prop, playing his 121st Test which equals that of Michael Hooper and former teammate Adam Ashley-Cooper. He's joined in the front row by long-time ACT Brumbies teammates Folau Fainga'a and Allan Alaalatoa.
The second-row combination of Rory Arnold and Matt Philip will again start for the Wallabies as the team looks to put together back-to-back wins for the first time this year after defeating South Africa 25-17 last Saturday in Adelaide.
Waratahs Player of the Year Jed Holloway will get to wear Wallaby gold for the first time in his home state, lining up at blindside flanker. Dual try scorer Fraser McReight again starts on the openside with Rob Valetini going strength to strength as the no. 8.
An impressive performance from 22-year-old Noah Lolesio in Adelaide has assured him another start at flyhalf, where he will partner 53-Test halfback Nic White.
The ever-improving midfield pairing of Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau will get another chance to work on their combination at inside and outside centre respectively.
Reece Hodge had a near flawless game at fullback last weekend and is named again to fill the number 15 jersey with Tom Wright and last week's man of the match Marika Koroibete on the edges.
The bench remains a 6-2 split for the second consecutive week, with David Porecki, Scott Sio and Taniela Tupou the front row reinforcements.
Darcy Swain will cover the second row, with Rob Leota and Pete Samu offering versatility across the remaining forward positions.
Waratahs captain Jake Gordon is the only change to the matchday 23, named as the finishing scrumhalf in his hometown. The dynamic Andrew Kellaway will also play his first ever Test in Sydney and rounds out the matchday 23.
The team currently sits second on the eToro Rugby Championship ladder at the halfway mark of the competition.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “It's great to be able to have some consistency in selection with the team that played last week earning the right to wear the jersey again in Sydney."
"While rapt with last week's effort, we’re well aware of the challenge a wounded Springbok poses and the intensity we will require again on Saturday night.
"We're excited by the opportunity to play in front of a sold out crowd in the first International event at the new Allianz Stadium."
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- James Slipper (c) (120 Tests)
- Folau Fainga’a (30 Tests)
- Allan Alaalatoa (57 Tests)
- Rory Arnold (31 Tests)
- Matt Philip (25 Tests)
- Jed Holloway (3 Tests)
- Fraser McReight (5 Tests)
- Rob Valetini (24 Tests)
- Nic White (53 Tests)
- Noah Lolesio (13 Tests)
- Marika Koroibete (48 Tests)
- Hunter Paisami (19 Tests)
- Len Ikitau (18 Tests)
- Tom Wright (15 Tests)
- Reece Hodge (58 Tests) Replacements
- David Porecki (4 Tests)
- Scott Sio (72 Tests)
- Taniela Tupou (43 Tests)
- Darcy Swain (14 Tests)
- Rob Leota (11 Tests)
- Pete Samu (25 Tests)
- Jake Gordon (13 Tests)
- Andrew Kellaway (15 Tests)
Wallabies 41 defeated Argentina 26, Sunday 7 August at Estadio Malvinas, Mendoza
Wallabies 17 defeated by Argentina 48, Sunday 13 August at Estadio del Bicentenario, San Juan
Wallabies 25 defeated South Africa 17, Saturday 27 August at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Wallabies v South Africa, Saturday 3 September, 7:35pm AEST at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, Thursday 15 September, 7:45pm AEST at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday 24 September, 5:05pm AEST at Eden Park, Auckland
