Wallabies boost pack for Wales Test

Taniela Tupou has recovered from a concussion to start for the Wallabies in Saturday’s Test match against Wales in Cardiff.

Tupou was ruled out of the Test between Australia and England at Twickenham last week, but has recovered from his head knock and starts at tighthead prop.

As a result, James Slipper shifts across the scrum from tighthead to his regular position at loosehead prop, while Tolu Latu has been promoted from the bench to the starting lineup.

Also back to fitness is Alan Alaalatoa, who is the tighthead replacement on the bench.

With captain Michael Hooper ruled out of the Test, Pete Samu starts in the back row, with Slipper taking over the captaincy.

There is just one change to the backline as wing Filipo Daugunu starts his first Test match since June.

Centre Lalakai Foketi is set to make his Wallabies debut as one of three backline replacements.

Wallabies – 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valentini, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 James Slipper (c).
Subs: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Allan Alaalatoa, 18 Angus Bell, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Lachlan Swinton, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Lalaki Foketi, 23 Tom Wright.

Post by