Pietsch earns first Test start in second Bledisloe Cup Test

Thu, Sep 26, 2024, 1:30 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Dylan Pietsch will start for the first time for the Wallabies on Saturday in Wellington. Photo: Getty Images
Dylan Pietsch will start for the first time for the Wallabies on Saturday in Wellington. Photo: Getty Images

Wiradjuri man Dylan Pietsch has earned his first Test start, named on the left wing for the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday night (5:05pm AEST).

After bringing strong impact from the bench in last weekend’s Sydney Test, he’ll combine with fullback Tom Wright and right winger Andrew Kellaway in the back three at Sky Stadium.

Waratahs leader Jake Gordon is the only other change to the starting side, returning to the number nine jersey to partner Noah Lolesio in the halves in what is the final match of the 2024 Rugby Championship.

In what is the Wallabies’ first unchanged starting forward pack since the first Rugby World Cup match last year, Angus Bell, Matt Faessler and Taniela Tupou will again pack down in the front row.

Hornsby junior Nick Frost and Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams partner in the run on second row for the third consecutive Test.

After a successful return from injury, Fraser McReight is again the openside flanker with Rob Valetini lining up as the blindside flanker in his 48th Test. Harry Wilson will again captain his country from the back of the scrum.

Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau continue to build on their midfield partnership as the inside and outside centre respectively.

Melbourne product Isaac Kailea returns to the matchday 23, forming a replacement front row alongside Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Allan Alaalatoa.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will again look to bring impact from the pine as the substitute lock, with Langi Gleeson selected as the back row cover.

Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson are the replacement halves with versatile Queenslander Josh Flook rounding out the matchday 23.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “We didn’t help ourselves last weekend falling behind early to a fast moving, high tempo All Blacks side.”

“We know we will need to start better than we did last week, with the physical edge and accuracy required.”

Watch all the action on Stan Sport with every Wallabies Test streaming ad-free, live and on demand with Wallabies at home in 4K UHD. Wallabies matches will also be shown live on the Nine Network.

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday September 28 at 5:05pm AEST

1. Angus Bell (32 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

2. Matt Faessler (11 Tests) – USQ Saints

3. Taniela Tupou (55 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (20 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Jeremy Williams (7 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (47 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (21 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (18 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (26 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors

10. Noah Lolesio (24 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

11. Dylan Pietsch (3 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms

12. Hunter Paisami (30 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

13. Len Ikitau (34 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

14. Andrew Kellaway (34 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

15. Tom Wright (32 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (15 Tests) – Southern Districts

17. Isaac Kailea (5 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

18. Allan Alaalatoa (75 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors

19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (36 Tests) - Randwick

20. Langi Gleeson (8 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins

21. Tate McDermott (36 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club

22. Ben Donaldson (12 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

23. Josh Flook (3 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

Wallabies 2024 Tests
July Tests

Wallabies 25 defeated Wales 16, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies 36 defeated Wales 28 on Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne

Wallabies 40 defeated Georgia 29 on Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup

Wallabies 7 defeated by South Africa 33, Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies 12 defeated by South Africa 30 on Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Wallabies 20 defeated Argentina 19 on Saturday August 31 at Estadio Uno Estudiantes de La Plata, La Plata

Wallabies 27 defeated by Argentina 67 on Saturday September 7 at Estadio Colon, Santa Fe

Wallabies 28 defeated by New Zealand 31 on Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies v New Zealand, 5:05pm AEST, Saturday September 28 at Sky Stadium, Wellington

End of Year Tour

Wallabies v England, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday November 10, Twickenham, London

Wallabies v Wales, 3:10am AEDT, Monday November 18, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wallabies v Scotland, 12:40am AEDT, Monday November 25, Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wallabies v Ireland, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday December 1, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

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