Powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou has been named to return from a calf injury for the Wallabies Test against England at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
The Wallabies will recognise NAIDOC week by wearing their First Nations jersey for the first time in 2022 in Meanjin (Brisbane) and will also sing the national anthem in Yugambeh language as they pay homage to Uncle Lloyd McDermott, the first Wallaby to identify as a First Nations man.
Tupou’s return is one of seven changes to the matchday 23 that defeated England in Perth, with Brumbies tall timber Nick Frost in line for a Test debut, named as lock cover off the pine.
Queensland star Jordan Petaia will start his first Test at fullback with Tom Wright due for his first appearance in a Wallabies jersey in 2022 on the right wing. Marika Koroibete takes his familiar position on the left edge.
Tupou is joined up front by last week’s debutant David Porecki and loosehead prop Angus Bell, who plays his 18th Test at just 21 years of age.
Matt Philip comes into the starting second row and will partner Cadeyrn Neville after Darcy Swain was suspended for two weeks following his red card in Perth last weekend.
The backrow remains unchanged, with Melbourne-born duo Rob Leota and Rob Valetini at blindside flanker and number eight respectively. Michael Hooper will captain the team at openside flanker.
Noah Lolesio retains the number 10 jersey after a composed performance in the opening Test last weekend and will again partner Brumbies teammate Nic White in the halves.
Inside centre Samu Kerevi returns to Suncorp Stadium, having his made his Wallabies debut against England at the same venue in 2016. He will combine with hard hitting Reds centre Hunter Paisami who replaces Len Ikitau at outside centre.
The replacement front row also remains unchanged with the long-time Brumbies trio Scott Sio, Folau Fainga’a and James Slipper set to make an impact from the pine.
