'Be brave': Tim Horan's changes that Wallabies must make for Bledisloe Cup opener

Tim Horan has called for the Wallabies to be "brave" and name a revamped backline in a bid to blow the All Blacks "out of the water" in the Bledisloe Cup opener on September 21.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner wants to see Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio replace Jake Gordon and Ben Donaldson as the starting halves and Filipo Daugunu to come in for Max Jorgensen on the right wing in the first of two Tests in Sydney.

Australia, in case you missed it, are reeling from a record 67-27 loss to Argentina that obliterated the good vibes from the previous win.

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The Santa Fe shellacking was the most points conceded in a match by the Wallabies in their proud 125 year history.

"If we keep doing the same thing, we're going to get the same results, so we've got to change it up a bit," Horan, a former Wallabies selector, argued on Stan Sport's Rugby Heaven on Thursday.

"I think it's a really big challenge now for Joe Schmidt and his coaching staff and the selectors to be a bit braver against this All Blacks team and try and blow them out of the water in that first 15 or 20 minutes and make a statement.

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"You've got to be brave, you've got two big Test matches coming up and you've got to show the rugby fans - but also show this Wallabies team - hey, we can challenge this All Blacks team."

Australia did start hot on Sunday (AEST), racing out to a 20-3 lead over the Pumas after half an hour of play.

The following 50 minutes were then the worst in Wallabies history.

NEW PODCAST: Iain Payten and Sam Worthington pick up the pieces from Santa Fe as the Bledisloe Cup takes centre stage

Schmidt will unveil his Bledisloe squad on Friday and it is expected to feature the return from injury of standout flanker Fraser McReight.

Flyhalf Lolesio missed last weekend's horror show with back tightness while winger Daugunu is also on the comeback trail after fracturing his fibula against the Springboks in August.

Flanker Liam Wright - Schmidt's original pick as captain to play Wales - is expected to remain sidelined with a shoulder injury while Horan didn't think fellow forward Rob Leota was ready either.

Horan said McReight's return would add some self belief to the Wallabies while Daugunu's "X-factor" would be a plus in place of Jorgensen, who like most players had a tough outing in Santa Fe.

"Do you actually give Max Jorgenson a start against the All Blacks?

"That's a big ask, I reckon, for a young kid like that and that could blow a young kid's confidence out of the water," Horan said.

"You don't want to let the All Blacks get away with a big start in Sydney because the crowd will be behind the All Blacks - it (support) will be 50/50 again. But I actually think Tate probably deserves a go now. I'm a big fan of Jake Gordon, and he's probably got the best pass of the three scrumhalves, but I just think it's time to pull the trigger and say 'let's start Tate' and then bring Jake off the bench.

"I'd start Noah at 10. Ben does well coming off the bench."

Former Wallabies outside back Cameron Shepherd said he would like to see Tom Wright (ankle) return at fullback in place of Andrew Kellaway, who could then take Jorgensen's place on the wing.

"He (Jorgensen) played very well in patches on the weekend and there was other patches where you could see it maybe was a little bit above him," Shepherd said.

"We all know he's going to be great, but I think that's too much to ask (starting against the All Blacks)... I would like to see Donaldson get another go and I think Jake Gordon might retain his place at nine...

"The other last thing to consider is, is there a big change at 13?

"I know Len Ikitau has been great but he did have his problems defensively on the weekend. Does Daugunu get a chance at 13?

"Does someone like Josh Flook get a chance at 13?"

As holders, New Zealand can retain the trophy by winning in Sydney before the second Test in Wellington on September 28.