Gaining respect, rather than revenge, has been the theme for the Wallabies as they prepare for a rematch with Rugby World Cup tormenters Wales in the first of two Tests in Sydney on Saturday.
Australia were annihilated 40-6 by Wales in Lyon in September but much has changed since that record defeat.
The Wallabies are now coached by Joe Schmidt, not Eddie Jones, have a new captain in Liam Wright and there are only five survivors from that pool match.
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Nick Tompkins of Wales celebrates scoring his team’s second try during the Rugby World Cup in Lyon. Getty
Wales coach Warren Gatland has also named a fresh-faced team with a new skipper in Dewi Lake as well as just three starting holdovers from Lyon.
Schmidt has done his best to keep expectations in check, in stark contrast to Jones, but the bookmakers have Australia as scorching hot favourites.
Wales haven’t beaten the Wallabies in Australia since 1969 but the World Cup scars of Lyon are still fresh for Test legend Tim Horan.
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“It was terrible when we were in commentary there,” Horan said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven ahead of the first of three July Tests.
“Myself, Sean Maloney and also Morgs (Turinui), 10 minutes after halftime, seeing gold jerseys, the fans walk out of the stadium, is one of the most embarrassing things I’ve seen as a commentator over 20 odd years.
“And it was embarrassing walking out, seeing what happened to that Wallabies team and the fans were so disappointed. So were the players but Wales were incredible.”
NEW PODCAST! Michael Atkinson and Tom Decent unpack a Wallabies team featuring a new captain in Liam Wright and a whopping seven debutants
Wales hope to end a seven-match losing streak that started with a defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals in October.
It continued with losses in all five Six Nations matches earlier this year and extended to June when the Springboks beat them 41-13 at Twickenham.
Gatland has unveiled a starting lineup containing a halves combination with a total of three Test caps between them with halfback Ellis Bevan coming off his debut and Ben Thomas starting at No.10.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and Wales coach Warren Gatland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Getty
“They picked a younger team, Ben Thomas at fly-half, normally a centre. So it’ll be interesting to see how he goes but Warren Gatland has got big raps on him. I think we’ll win by about 15-18 points,” Horan said.
Schmidt selected lock Jeremy Williams and centre Josh Flook for their Test debuts and picked hooker Matt Faessler in the starting XV for the first time.
Five of the eight reserves are uncapped, including backup flyhalf Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh.
New Wallabies Josh Flook, Dylan Pietsch, Angus Blyth and Tom Lynagh. Getty/Nine
Cameron Shepherd is also tipping Australia to get up.
“They didn’t have a great Six Nations in 2024, remembering they got the wooden spoon for the first time ever,” the former Wallabies outside back said.
“A lot of criticism coming from the Wales public, which is kind of similar for Wales and Australia alike. This Test series is really going to be about redemption in the eyes of their own fans and the public. So there’s a lot of expectation on them to perform. I think the opinion of Australian rugby at the moment from the UK is probably that it’s not in a great place and this is a big opportunity for them.
“So the Wallabies need to turn up.”
Flanker Wright, who has only played five Test matches for Australia, will lead the Wallabies and become the seventh player to captain the team in two seasons.
“Liam is really understated,” Schmidt said.
“He’s a lineout caller, so he already has a responsibility in the team. I think what all the coaches liked about Liam is he doesn’t really say that much. He just gets the job done really well.”
The last of Wright’s Tests was in 2020, and since then he has experienced a heavy injury toll with six major setbacks between 2021-23.
He played just 41 games over four years while dealing with hamstring tears, assorted foot and ankle injuries, a broken hand and a dislocated shoulder.
Wallabies captain Liam Wright poses for a portrait at Allianz Stadium. Getty
That time off the paddock made Wright work all the harder.
“I’m a big believer that when you’re in rehab you can use it to reshape yourself and become a much better player,” he said.
The Wallabies-Wales Test is the second of a doubleheader as the Wallaroos first host Fiji at Allianz Stadium.
The Wallaroos are hunting their first win under new coach Jo Yapp following losses to Canada, the United States and New Zealand in May. – with AP
– GAME ONE TEAMS –
WALLAROOS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (c), Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Biola Dawa, Lori Cramer
Reserves: Tiarna Molloy, Allana Sikimeti, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Lydia Kavoa, Natalie Wright, Trilleen Pomare, Faitala Moleka
FIJI (1-15): Tiana Robanakadavu, Keleni Marawa, Bitila Tawake, Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa (c), Evivi Senikarivi, Jennifer Ravutia, Adita Milinia, Liti Lawedrau, Atelaite Buna, Merewairita Neivosa, Luisa Tisolo
Reserves: Litia Marama, Loraini Senivutu, Vika Matarugu, Doreen Narokete, Ema Adivitaloga, Setaita Railumu, Sala Kinita, Repeka Tove
– GAME TWO TEAMS –
WALLABIES (1-15): James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch
WALES (1-15): Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (c), Archie Griffin, Christ Tshiunza, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright, Ellis Bevan, Ben Thomas, Rio Dyer, Mason Grady, Owen Watkin, Josh Hathaway, Liam Williams
Reserves: Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O’Connor, Cory Hill, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Nick Tompkins
