Wallabies Appoint Tate McDermott as Captain for Second Bledisloe Cup Test
In a major announcement, the Wallabies have appointed Tate McDermott as the captain for the second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand. This decision, made by coach Eddie Jones, marks a new era for Australian rugby. McDermott, a scrumhalf from the Queensland Reds, will lead the team in the upcoming clash in Dunedin on Saturday.
The appointment comes as James Slipper is listed as a reserve, and co-captain Michael Hooper remains sidelined due to injury. Last week, Allan Alaalatoa assumed the captaincy in their 38-7 loss to the All Blacks, but unfortunately suffered a ruptured Achilles and will be out of action for months.
Jones expressed his confidence in McDermott’s leadership abilities, stating, Tate’s got all the attributes to be a great captain of his country and there’s no doubt it will be a proud moment for him and his family when he leads the team on Saturday night. He further emphasized the team’s regeneration and the need to build on their growth as a unit.
McDermott’s new role means that Nic White will once again begin the match on the bench, alongside experienced halves partner Quade Cooper. Despite a nervy performance last weekend, rookie flyhalf Carter Gordon retains his position, as Jones aims to solidify the best lineup leading up to the World Cup in France.
Since taking over as coach this year, Jones has made several changes to the starting XV in search of the ideal combination. However, their performances have not yielded the desired results, with three consecutive defeats. After what Jones labeled as a terrible loss in Melbourne, the pressure is on for the Wallabies to bounce back.
For the upcoming clash, Jones made three alterations to the run-on side. Pone Fa’amausili will replace the injured Alaalatoa at tighthead prop, forming a formidable front row with David Porecki and Angus Bell. The back-row has also been freshened up, with Fraser McReight returning as openside flanker, Tom Hooper moving to blindside flanker, and Rob Valetini taking on the No. 8 role.
In the backline, there are no changes, with Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia occupying the inside and outside centre positions respectively. Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase will be on the wings, and Andrew Kellaway will assume the fullback role.
The Wallabies’ starting XV for the second Bledisloe Cup Test features a total of 277 caps, making it the seventh-lowest capped lineup in Wallabies history.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have opted for mass changes in their team, with only three players retained as starters from their previous dominant victory. Captain Sam Cane returns after recovering from a neck injury that kept him out of last week’s encounter.
New Zealand coach Ian Foster has included two uncapped players in the starting side, while another awaits his debut from the bench. Foster’s decision to rotate the squad ensures all players receive valuable game time before the announcement of the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad on Monday.
With the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup already secured, Foster aims to maintain the team’s strong start to the season. They will face Australia in their final home match of the year, eager to take another step forward as a team and end on a high note.
The Test in Dunedin presents both teams with an opportunity to prove themselves in what promises to be an intense and closely contested match. Rugby fans can expect an exciting display of skill, determination, and a continued rivalry between the two nations. As the Wallabies commence a new era under McDermott’s captaincy, they will look to seize this chance for redemption and growth as a team.
With McDermott at the helm and a rejuvenated lineup, the Wallabies will be eager to write a different chapter in their encounter with the All Blacks. The stage is set for an enthralling clash that will undoubtedly capture the attention of rugby enthusiasts worldwide.
