3 months ago
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Halfback Nic White will get the ultimate international farewell after being named to start for the Wallabies in Saturday’s third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions in Sydney.
On Wednesday, White announced he would retire from international rugby after Saturday’s Test, having played 72 Tests for the Wallabies since making his debut against Argentina in 2013. White will play for the Force in Super Rugby AUS in September, before hanging up his boots for good.
Schmidt has recalled tighthead prop Taniela Tupou to the starting line-up after Allan Alaalatoa sustained a shoulder injury in the second Test that is likely to rule him out of the Rugby Championship.
Tupou endured a disappointing season at the Waratahs, but impressed selectors starting for the First Nations and Pasifika team last Tuesday in Melbourne.
Tupou last appearance for the Wallabies was on last year’s Spring tour in a three point defeat against Ireland in Dublin.
Schmidt is without outstanding breakaway Rob Valetini due to injury, but Will Skelton who impressed in the second Test in Melbourne will again partner Nick Frost in the second row in Sydney.
There is no place for Force breakaway Carlos Tizzano who has dominated coverage in the lead up to the final Test after he was controversially – but legally – hit on the back of the neck in the final ruck of the second Test at the MCG.
Wallabies team for Third Test
1. James Slipper (146 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. David Porecki (21 Tests) - #952; Seaforth Raiders
3. Taniela Tupou (58 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (28 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Will Skelton (33 Tests) - #883; The Hills Sports High School
6. Tom Hooper (12 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
7. Fraser McReight (28 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (25 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Nic White (72 Tests) - #875, Maitland Blacks
10. Tom Lynagh (5 Tests) - #977; University of Queensland
11. Dylan Pietsch (5 Tests) - #978, Leeton Phantoms
12. Len Ikitau (42 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (7 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (10 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (40 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (9 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club17. Angus Bell (39 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club18. Zane Nonggorr (11 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles19. Jeremy Williams (13 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers20. Langi Gleeson (16 Tests) - #960; Harbord Harlequins21. Tate McDermott (44 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club22. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles23. Andrew Kellaway (40 Tests) - #943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Dylan Pietsch will start on the left wing after Harry Potter sustained a hamstring injury in the second Test.
