Dave Rennie says the time is Wright to give a Super Rugby AU standout his maiden Test cap with Tom Wright set to debut in the final Bledisloe Cup clash.
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But a pair of his club teammates have paid the price for underwhelming debuts with Noah Lolesio shuffling back to the bench in favour of Reece Hodge, and Irae Simone dropping out of the squad.
The ACT Brumbies winger has been drafted into the starting side as the Wallabies look to avoid a 3-0 series defeat at Brisbane's Lang Park on Saturday night.
Rennie has axed Lolesio, Simone, Ned Hanigan, and Filipo Daugunu from the starting XV, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Dane Haylett-Petty ruled out due to injury.
Wright is one of two debutants called in alongside NSW Waratahs loose forward Lachie Swinton with the Wallabies desperate to make amends for last week's devastating loss.
MORE RUGBY UNION
The rugby league convert attracted interest from the Sea Eagles this year before opting to sign a contract extension with the Brumbies and chase a Wallabies jersey.
"Both those guys [Wright and Swinton] have trained really well over a number of weeks, both had big performances for Australia A last week against Argentina. They deserve their spots," Rennie said.
"Obviously Dane Haylett-Petty took a knock last week and couldn't back up, he was a potential wing option for us.
"Obviously we felt Filipo needs to treasure the ball a lot more, the consequence of that is him being on the bench."
Hunter Paisami has been named at inside centre to partner Jordan Petaia in the midfield. Tom Banks has earned a recall at fullback, partnering Wright and Marika Koroibete in the back three. Filipo Daugunu has been named on the bench.
Uncapped forward Angus Bell has earned a place on the bench at the expense of Scott Sio, with Rennie calling on his experienced campaigners to show more.
"We've been trying to put a bit of pressure on Scotty to bring more impact off the bench," Rennie said.
"He has been scrummaging pretty well. It was more around urgency to connect with the defenders around him, he was slow to come forward and he got exposed, it's a tough lesson.
"Belly has been applying a lot of pressure and we're asking for more from some of those experienced boys, and Scott has paid the price this week.
"Having said that, it's the best training week he has had, carried really well, defended really well. It's helped create a little bit of edge around his game this week which is what we have been looking for for the past month."
BLEDISLOE CUP IV
Tri-Nations match two: Saturday - Australia v New Zealand at Lang Park, 7.45pm.
Wallabies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rob Simmons, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Lachlan Swinton, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Nic White, 10. Reece Hodge, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Jordan Petaia, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: 16. Folau Fainga'a, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Ned Hanigan, 20. Liam Wright, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Noah Lolesio, 23. Filipo Daugunu.
All Blacks squad: 1. Karl Tu'inukuafe, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Jordie Barrett. Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Alex Hodgman, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Cullen Grace, 21. Brad Weber, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. Will Jordan.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
