Wallabies

Former Wallabies playmaker backs Noah Lolesio to retain 10 jersey

Whether Lolesio retains his starting role against the world champion Springboks on the Gold Coast is one of several selection issues for coach Dave Rennie after last weekend’s loss to the All Blacks in Perth.

The 21-year-old is yet to impose himself at test level and Rennie could be tempted to move utility Reece Hodge into the No.10 jersey this weekend.

Veteran James O’Connor is back training but may not be rushed back from the groin injury that has sidelined him since mid-May.

Wallabies to wear special strip for Springboks clash

The numbering on Australia’s primary strip will feature a design by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding for every Test, starting on Sunday on the Gold Coast against South Africa.

Rugby Australia says it will mark the first time an Australian representative team bears both the coat of arms and a First Nations design in its primary playing strip.

The side will also wear their special First Nations jersey for a sixth time when they meet Argentina in Townsville on September 25.

Further pain for Wallabies with future star's sideline stint extended

The two-time NRL premiership winger with Melbourne has been impressive in his brief appearances so far, with Queensland Reds coach and dual international Brad Thorn claiming he’s done it better than anyone he’s seen.

But three separate hamstring injuries, the most recent coming last week as he prepared to enter Wallabies camp for the Rugby Championship, have restricted him to just eight Super Rugby games.

All Blacks banish Perth demons

They have beaten Australia 38-21 after leading 18-0 at halftime to move atop the Rugby Championship standings after two of six rounds.

The All Blacks completed the sweep without new captain Ardie Savea, who along with hooker Codie Taylor was unable to play any part in the second-half after they failed head injury assessments at halftime.

The Wallabies won 47-26 the last time the two sides met in Perth, where lock Scott Barrett was red carded.

All Blacks captaincy a dream for Savea

Savea will captain the All Blacks for the first time, having been appointed to the role for the Rugby Championship in the absence of Sam Whitelock and Aaron Smith.

The 52-test flanker has thought about what it will be like to lead his teammates out on to the field and stand at the front of the haka.

"You know it's something you kind of only really dream about when you're a kid," Savea said.

"I'm just happy and grateful that mum and dad will be watching on the TV...watching the All Blacks go out and seeing their son go out too and lead so it'll be awesome."

Australians confident Perth will host rescheduled All Blacks clash

The third meeting of the series between the teams - which also doubles up as the countries' second clash in this year's Rugby Championship - was scheduled to be played in West Australia on August 28.

But after a decision on Friday by New Zealand Rugby to pull out of the game sparked a war of words between the nations' rugby officials, Marinos is confident the match can still happen on a later date.

"We're working hard now with the West Australian government and the stadium to see if we can't move that to September 4," Marinos told Channel Nine on Sunday.

Australia may allow more foreign based players back into Wallabies

The Giteau Law allows players not attached to Australian Super Rugby teams to be eligible for Wallabies selection if they have played in more than 60 tests and spent seven seasons in Australia. The rule was implemented in 2015.

Australia places limits on the eligibility of overseas-based players to represent the country to encourage more to stay home and support domestic rugby.

Wallabies chase history as All Blacks prepare for extended stint overseas

After a near sell out at the same ground last weekend, there are still plenty of tickets left for tomorrow night's match, despite it likely being the All Blacks final home game of the season.

New Zealand Rugby declining to provide a ticket sales figure last night, only confirming there were tickets still available in all categories. It's understood between 20,000 and 30,000 tickets had been sold for the match as Friday morning. Eden Park has a capacity of about 50,000. Last week the crowd attendance was about 47,000.

All Blacks too strong for Wallabies but have plenty to work on

Unbeaten at the Auckland venue since 1994, Ian Foster's side ran in three tries in a 13-minute burst after the break to kill off the contest with an awesome display of forward muscle and backline inspiration.

Wallabies fullback Tom Banks scored two late tries and Jordan Uelese grabbed another after the siren to give the visitors a flattering final scoreline.

The damage was done earlier as All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith celebrated his 100th test with a win and his team took a 1-0 lead in the Bledisloe Cup, the annual trophy contested by the trans-Tasman nations.

Three Wallabies dropped over drinking session

 

Koroibete and strike forwards Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa’amausili have been ruled unavailable for selection after breaching team protocol by continuing to consume alcohol more than two hours after curfew following a bonding session in Auckland last Saturday.

Coach Dave Rennie said while “there were no issues around behaviour, damage or complaints or anything,” the trio had let the entire squad down as the Wallabies strive to break a 35-year Eden Park hoodoo.