'You've got to respect what he's done in the past': Wallabies great replaced by rookie for Bledisloe II
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WELLINGTON: Marika Koroibete's future in the Wallabies jersey has got a little murky after the decorated winger was ruled out of the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington on Saturday.
A two-time John Eales Medallist as Australia's best player, Koroibete suffered a wrist injury in the 31-28 loss to the All Blacks in Sydney.
The 32-year-old made multiple, uncustomary errors at Accor Stadium and his place in Joe Schmidt's side would have been in question even without the injury.
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Marika Koroibete of the Wallabies at Accor Stadium. Getty
Koroibete has been replaced on the left flank by Dylan Pietsch, who will make his first Test start at Sky Stadium.
The 26-year-old Western Force recruit was sharp off the bench in Sydney and gets his opportunity ahead of the uncapped Corey Toole and Max Jorgensen, who has returned home due to illness.
"I'd always like to start but we've got a world class winger on the edge there," Pietsch told reporters on Tuesday.
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Dylan Pietsch of the Wallabies looks on. Getty
"And you've got to respect what he's done in the past and what he does in the effort area, is what he does every week.
"So, mate, I'm more than happy to start but I understand that Marika is there and he's one of the best.
"There's a reason for that."
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Jake Gordon has replaced Nic White at halfback in the only other change to the starting side.
It is the first time the Wallabies have named an unchanged forward pack since last year's Rugby World Cup.
Isaac Kailea has replaced record breaking prop James Slipper on the bench while Ben Donaldson and Josh Flook provide backline cover.
"We didn't help ourselves last weekend falling behind early to a fast moving, high tempo All Blacks side," Schmidt said.
"We know we will need to start better than we did last week, with the physical edge and accuracy required."
ALL BLACKS (15-1): Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, David Havili
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Josh Flook
