It’s Toole-time for the Wallabies as history beckons
Melissa Woods |
Speedster Corey Toole will make his Test debut in one of three changes to the Wallabies starting side as they attempt to go back-to-back against the Springboks in South Africa for the first time since 1963.
The 25-year-old Paris Olympics sevens star will replace injured winger Dylan Pietsch for their Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town on Sunday (1.10am AEST).
Skipper Harry Wilson has failed to overcome a knee issue with Rob Valetini making a timely return at No.8, while Tom Robertson will start in the front row after James Slipper was ruled out after a head knock.
Wilson’s Queensland teammate Fraser McReight will lead the side, the flanker becoming the 91st player to captain Australia.
After their astounding 38-22 comeback win over the Springboks last week at Ellis Park, the Wallabies are looking to duplicate the 1963 tourists, who claimed victories at Johannesburg and Cape Town.
No Australian side has won in Cape Town in 33 years, with the Wallabies losing their last seven straight at the picturesque venue.
ACT Brumbies flyer Toole has been knocking at the door for a Test call-up for the past three years and likely would have made his debut last year but was drafted into Australia’s sevens teams for Paris.
With the more versatile Andrew Kellaway remaining on the bench, Toole’s start comes after Pietsch required surgery on a fractured jaw after his tackle went wrong.
Known as the fastest man in Australian rugby, Toole has been one of the Brumbies’ best performers in the past three seasons, bagging 28 tries.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the side had recovered well after the physical encounter at altitude and had identified their slow start – trailing 22-0 – as an area they needed to improve.
“The squad as a whole has recovered pretty well from what was a very draining and physical Test match on the highveld last week,” he said in a statement.
“We struggled to contain a powerhouse Springbok start last weekend and we know that we have to improve leading into what’s likely to be a bruising encounter in Cape Town.”
Rather than match South Africa’s six-two bench split, Schmidt has retained the five-three selection among his reserves, although has replaced Langi Gleeson with Nick Champion de Crespigny.
WALLABIES: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Corey Toole, James O’Connor, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight (capt), Tom Hooper, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tane Edmed, Tate McDermott, Andrew Kellaway.
AAP
