Eddie Jones just moving around the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Tate McDermott named Wallabies captain against All Blacks as Eddie Jones declares ‘new era’
Halfback Tate McDermott will become the 86th Wallabies captain on Saturday as coach Eddie Jones declares “a new era” has arrived for Australian rugby.
With Michael Hooper still sidelined with a calf injury and Allan Alaalatoa out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Jones had the option to promote co-captain James Slipper into his starting side for the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Dunedin.
But Jones has instead handed the leadership reins to Bundaberg product McDermott, the Queensland Reds co-captain.
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It caps a stunning rise for the 24-year-old, who has usurped stalwart Nic White as the starting No.9.
“Tate’s got all the attributes to be a great captain of his country and there’s no doubt it will be a proud moment for him and his family when he leads the team on Saturday night,” Jones said.
“We started a regeneration as a team last week and now it’s about building on that with a new captain and a new era in Australian rugby. On Saturday night in Dunedin we get an opportunity to continue our growth as a team.”
The Wallabies were belted 38-7 in the first Bledisloe Cup Test at the MCG last weekend.
Rebels prop Pone Fa’amausili will make his first Test start in place of Alaalatoa, with Taniela Tupou sidelined by a painful rib injury.
Other changes see Fraser McReight replace Jed Holloway in the backrow and Richie Arnold come in for Will Skelton at lock.
The backline is unchanged, with Carter Gordon given an opportunity to build on a shaky starting debut at No.10.
WALLABIES (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott (c), Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Pone Fa’amausili, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell
Reserves: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Will Skelton, Rob Leota, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Izaia Perese
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