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AAP
AAP
Sport
Melissa Woods and Justin Chadwick

Foley into Wallabies as Lolesio ruled out

Bernard Foley has returned to the Wallabies side three years after his last Test, taking over the No.10 jersey in one of seven changes to the run-on side for Thursday night's Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand.

The 32-year-old, who has played 71 Tests, has earned a start at Marvel Stadium with young playmaker Noah Lolesio ruled out with concussion.

Coach Dave Rennie rung in the changes following the disappointing 24-8 loss to South Africa in Sydney earlier this month.

David Porecki replaces Folau Fainga'a at hooker, while flankers Rob Leota and Pete Samu have also earned call-ups to the starting side.

Lock Rory Lobb will miss the two Tests against NZ to be present for the birth of his baby.

Jake Gordon takes over from Nic White at halfback, where he will combine with Foley in a new-look 9-10 combination.

Centre Hunter Paisami was ruled out with a head knock and has been replaced in the side by Lalakai Foketi.

Andrew Kellaway has been named at fullback in place of Reece Hodge.

The Wallabies are looking to snap a 19-year Bledisloe Cup drought with the Thursday night game the first midweek trans-Tasman fixture since 1994, when Australia beat the All Blacks via George Gregan's famous tackle.

Foley has spent the past three years playing in Japan, departing the international scene following the 2019 World Cup.

But Rennie was keen to tap into his experience after losing fellow veteran Quade Cooper to a ruptured Achilles tendon and with James O'Connor out of favour.

Foley joined the squad before the two Rugby Championship Tests - which resulted in a win and a loss - focusing on getting up to speed with the team machinations and sharpening his skills.

"It's great to have Bernard's experience and he brings plenty of voice and passion for the gold jersey," Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.

WALLABIES SQUAD

Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Rob Leota, Matt Philip, Jed Holloway, Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper (capt). Reserves: Folau Fainga'a, Scott Sio, Pone Fa'amausili, Darcy Swain, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia.

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