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The Wallabies kick off the first of their five-Test Spring Tour against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday morning. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 3:30am (AEDT).
Dave Rennie’s men had an unhappy tour to Europe last year when they were unable to come away with a win in their three matches. The corresponding fixture was close, but ultimately saw the Scots run out two-point winners and continue their winning streak over the Wallabies.
Rennie has made five changes from their last match against the All Blacks over a month ago; and welcomes Michael Hooper back into the starting side after his mental health absence, on what will be his 31st birthday.
Hunter Paisami is also back in the starting side at inside centre to give the midfield a familiar pairing alongside Len Ikitau; his left foot clearing kicks could be an important factor in this match.
Tom Banks has worked his way back into the Wallabies’ fold after a strong showing for Australia A in their series in Japan, following a broken arm suffered against England in July. His inclusion sees Andrew Kellaway join Tom Wright on the wings – that pair will be in for a busy game up against Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham.
There has been much said about Jock Campbell in recent months, and he will be given a chance to make his Wallabies debut from the bench after a strong outing in the Japan XV series.
The Scottish squad named by Gregor Townsend as they chase a fourth consecutive win over the Wallabies has been overshadowed by the omission of Finn Russell, causing quite a stir.
Blair Kinghorn has been given the keys to the Scottish backline that includes former Melbourne Rebel Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre.
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This match also sees a potential for former Wallaby Jack Dempsey from the bench. Dempsey has made the squad following changes to World Rugby’s eligibility requirements after debuting for the Wallabies in 2017. He then took his talents to Glasgow Warriors in 2021 and had not featured for the Wallabies since the 2019 World Cup.
Game information
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Referee: Luke Pearce Kick-off: 3:30am (AEDT) Streaming: Stan Sport Betting: Scotland $2.15, Wallabies $1.70 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Australia
1. James Slipper (c) 2. Dave Porecki 3. Allan Alaalatoa 4. Nick Frost 5. Cadeyrn Neville 6. Jed Holloway 7. Michael Hooper 8. Rob Valetini 9. Tate McDermott 10. Bernard Foley 11. Tom Wright 12. Hunter Paisami 13. Len Ikitau 14. Andrew Kellaway 15. Tom Banks
Interchange: 16. Folau Fainga’a 17. Matt Gibbon 18. Taniela Tupou 19. Ned Hanigan 20. Pete Samu 21. Nic White 22. Noah Lolesio 23. Jock Campbell
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Scotland
1. Pierre Schoeman 2. Dave Cherry 3. Zander Fagerson 4. Sam Skinner 5. Grant Gilchrist 6. Jamie Ritchie (c) 7. Hamish Watson 8. Matt Fagerson 9. Ali Price 10. Blair Kinghorn 11. Duhan van der Merwe 12. Sione Tuipulotu 13. Mark Bennett 14. Darcy Graham 15. Ollie Smith
Interchange: 16. George Turner 17. Jamie Bhatti 18. WP Nel 19. Glen Young 20. Jack Dempsey 21. George Horne 22. Ross Thompson 23. Damien Hoyland
