Wallabies veteran Bernard Foley starts in the first Bledisloe Test as one of eight changes to Australia’s starting team to face New Zealand.

Scrum-half Jake Gordon gets the nod alongside Foley in the half-back pairing, while Lalakai Foketi and Len Iktau start in the midfield. Andrew Kellaway starts at full-back alongside Tom Wright and Marika Koroibete, who earns his 50th Test cap, in the back three.

Further experience

James Slipper captains the side as he becomes the third-most capped Australian player with 122 caps after George Gregan and Stephen Moore. Alongside the skipper in the front-row are hooker Dave Porecki and Allan Alaalatoa.

Jed Holloway moves from the flank into the second-row alongside Matt Philip, while Rob Leota, Pete Samu, and Rob Valetini make up a new look back-row.

Scott Sio and Pone Fa’amausili join hooker Folau Fainga’a as front-row replacements, while Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight make up the remaining forwards substitutions.

Veteran White is on the bench alongside Reece Hodge and Jordan Petaia as backline replacements.

Coach Dave Rennie is pleased to have the experienced Foley back in the fold, and he expects a difficult challenge against a confident All Blacks side.

“It’s great to have Bernard’s experience and he brings plenty of voice and passion for the gold jersey,” said Rennie.

“New Zealand showed their class in a massive win over Argentina last week and will come to Melbourne full of confidence.

“We’re well aware of the opportunity in front of us over the next fortnight and we’re extremely motivated to make the most of it.”

The team

Australia: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 James Slipper (c)
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Nic White, 22 Reece Hodge, 23 Jordan Petaia