Wallabies make three key changes for second Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks

  • 24/08/2017
Wallabies
Tevita Kuridrani in action during the first Test loss against the All Blacks Photo credit: Getty Images

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made three changes to his starting fifteen ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday night at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Dane Haylett-Petty has overcome a biceps injury and will start in place of Curtis Rona, who moves to the reserves bench while Tevita Kuridrani will wear the 13 jersey in his 49th Test, with Samu Kerevi out of the matchday 23. 

In the other change to the starting side, Rob Simmons moves into the second row with Rory Arnold amongst the reserves.

Michael Cheika will confirm his bench after Friday's Captain's Run with Lopeti Timani bracketed alongside one-Test rookie Jack Dempsey. 

The Wallabies will be chasing victory in the second Test to keep their Bledisloe Cup hopes alive after a 34-54 defeat at the hands of New Zealand last weekend in Sydney.

The last time Australia tasted victory in New Zealand was in Dunedin - that coming back in 2001 at the now defunct Carisbrook, with Saturday's Test undercover at Forsyth Barr Stadium. 

The only previous meeting at Forsyth Barr Stadium was in 2013, with New Zealand running out 41-33 victors.

Wallabies: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Kurtley Beale, Henry Speight, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper, Ned Hanigan, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Allan Alaalatoa, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio

Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Sekope Kepu, Rory Arnold, Lopeti Timani/Jack Dempsey, Nick Phipps, Reece Hodge, Curtis Rona 

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