Salakaia-Loto handed Bledisloe Cup enforcer role as Wallabies name new halves combo

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Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been given the job of Eden Park enforcer after being named to make his first start for the Wallabies this year against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The call-up for the big Queensland lock came as Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt also turned to a new starting partnership in the halves for the opening Bledisloe Cup clash, with Tate McDermott and James O’Connor trusted to run the show for Australia at the intimidating Auckland venue.

And, after years of patiently waiting, Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan has been given the chance to make his Test debut after being named as the back-up for McDermott on the bench.

As forecast, Max Jorgensen will make his debut at fullback following an injury to Andrew Kellaway, and Harry Potter also makes his return on the wing, after suffering a hamstring injury against the Lions in Melbourne.

In the midfield, Len Ikitau has also returned from injury and will re-unite with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

In a second row that will also feature Nick Frost, who makes his comeback from a tight back that kept him out of the defeat to Argentina in Sydney, Salakaia-Loto will carry the responsibility of bringing a physical edge.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto during a Wallabies training session.

With Rob Valetini injured, and Will Skelton not available until the second Bledisloe Test match in Perth, the Wallabies will need their forwards to collectively step up – particularly when it comes to winning collisions.

Salakaia-Loto was a controversial omission from the squad during the Lions series but turned in three powerful performances in tour games – for Queensland, the Australia & New Zealand Invitational XV and the First Nations and Pasifika team – and was subsequently called up for the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies will also be able to call on the power of Allan Alaalatoa, who has returned from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the third Lions and the Rugby Championship games so far.

Alaalatoa is on the bench, along with Angus Bell and Brandon Paenga-Amosa.

Tane Edmed has been preferred on the bench ahead of Tom Lynagh.

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