Snubbed superstar returns as Wallabies make 5 changes for Lions finale

Taniela Tupou is set to tackle the British & Irish Lions for the third time this month, completing a return to the international arena as part of the starting side for the Wallabies.

Tupou hasn’t worn Wallaby gold in a Test since last November against Ireland, but the tighthead prop is back in the mix as part of five changes to the matchday 23 for this weekend’s clash with the Lions in Sydney.

Coach Joe Schmidt has called Tom Hooper into the starting side in place of Rob Valetini, while Jake Gordon makes way for retiring scrum-half Nic White. With Harry Potter unavailable due to a hamstring injury, Western Force flyer Dylan Pietsch comes into the Test team on the left edge.

Celebrated coach Alan Zondagh speaks to @king365ed about the direction the game is going in

Celebrated coach Alan Zondagh speaks to @king365ed about the direction the game is going in

The rest of the run-on side remains the same, with 146-Test veteran James Slipper packing down alongside David Porecki in the front row. Nick Frost and Will Skelton have been retained as the two locks, with Jeremy Williams providing impact off the bench.

Hooper joins Queensland Reds duo Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson in the loose forwards, with the No. 8 staying on as captain for another week. Langi Gleeson is the backrow cover on the bench, with the Wallabies going with a 5-3 split.

In the backs, White partners Tom Lynagh in the starting halves for the first time. Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will link up in the centres once again. Pietsch starts on the left with Max Jorgensen on the right.

Tom Wright rounds out the First XV as the first-choice fullback.

“The squad was certainly deflated after the gut-wrenching end to last week’s Test in Melbourne, but they have started to gather momentum in the back half of the week and will be ready to go again on Saturday,” Schmidt said in a statement.

“The support in Brisbane and Melbourne helped to lift the squad, and I know the support this weekend in Accor Stadium, will again help to lift the players in the high-pressure moments that we know are coming.”

With the Wallabies losing both Lions Series Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne, meaning any hopes of taking out the title are over, but there’s still plenty to play for as they look to avoid a series sweep.

Wallabies team to take on British & Irish Lions in Sydney

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

Replacements

16. Billy Pollard (9 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

17. Angus Bell (39 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club

18. Zane Nonggorr (11 Tests) – #966; Gold Coast Eagles

19. Jeremy Williams (13 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers

20. Langi Gleeson (16 Tests) – #960; Harbord Harlequins

21. Tate McDermott (44 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club

22. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles

23. Andrew Kellaway (40 Tests) – #943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club