Wallabies: Macpherson called up, Tupou back to Racing

Unbeaten since Les Kiss took over, Australia are keeping the core of the side that beat the world champions in Perth. The head coach has made only three changes.

The two Europe-based players have left the squad. Tighthead Taniela Tupou returns to Racing 92 and lock or back-rower Tom Hooper to Exeter. The Bledisloe Cup Tests fall outside the international window set by World Rugby’s Regulation 9, which obliges clubs to release their players. Exeter had agreed with Rugby Australia a 12-month workload plan for Hooper, Rob Baxter explained.

Tupou has yet to play for Racing this season. He made 12 Top 14 appearances for the Paris club last season.

Macpherson the only surprise

To replace Hooper, Kiss has called up Toby Macpherson, a 22-year-old former Australia U20 captain who can play lock or back row and is coming off a strong season with the Brumbies. He is one of two uncapped players in the squad, along with fly-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who was already involved for the Springboks Test.

Massimo De Lutiis, the 1,000th Wallaby, replaces Tupou. Wing Filipo Daugunu returns after a knee injury, and Nick Frost comes in as cover for Josh Canham, who is managing a hamstring strain. Centre Hunter Paisami is named despite the disciplinary hearing following his yellow card against South Africa. Jock Campbell will replace him if he is suspended.

“We know Auckland is a huge challenge that will demand we be at our best,” Kiss said.

Eden Park, the fortress

Since taking charge in July, Kiss has four wins and a draw, in Argentina (28-28). But Australia have not won the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, and their last win at Eden Park was in 1986, L’Équipe notes. The All Blacks have been unbeaten there since 1994, a run of 53 Tests, according to Planet Rugby.

The first Test is on Saturday 10 October in Auckland (7.10pm local time), the second on Saturday 17 October at Accor Stadium in Sydney (3.45pm local time).

The Australia squad

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson (captain).

Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.