Bledisloe Cup rugby: Wallabies star Marika Koroibete back for must-win clash with the All Blacks

news.com.au

12 Aug, 2021 02:41 AM2 mins to read

Marika Koroibete. Photo / Photosport

Wallaby bad boy Marika Koroibete's booze ban has lasted just a week with the superstar winger recalled for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup rematch with the All Blacks Eden Park.

Jordan Petaia has made way for Koroibete, one of three players stood down from last week's game for drinking alcohol in their hotel room, and been omitted from the 23 altogether.

Andrew Kellaway, who scored his maiden test try last week, has held his spot on the other wing.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has also backed his young halves combination of Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio while recalling Lachlan Swinton, nine months after being sent off on debut against the Kiwis.

Lolesio had a horror kicking night, converting just one of four tries last weekend and missing three of four penalties as well.

Veteran Matt To'omua has been elevated to inside centre for the must-win match at Eden Park, while Matt Philip starts in the second row.

Halfback Nic White is also set for his first appearance for the Wallabies in 2021 after recovering from a knee injury.

The Wallabies are out to end a 35-year losing streak at Eden Park and build on three late tries that resulted in a 33-25 opening defeat at the same venue last week.

"Eden Park is a place that most teams fear, but we're excited to get another crack after last weekend's disappointment," Rennie said.

"To beat New Zealand, you have to win the collisions and be clinical for 80 minutes, and we didn't do that.

"We've got a lot more in us and we'll show that on Saturday night."

Wallabies: Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Matt To'omua, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (c), Lachlan Swinton, Matt Philip, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper.