Fraser McReight Named 91st Wallabies Captain; Corey Toole to Make His Debut at Wing
Fraser McReight, a flanker for the Wallabies, has been appointed captain for the second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town, following a standout performance where he was named man of the match at Ellis Park.
With this appointment, McReight will become the 91st individual to lead the Wallabies, as the match is set to commence at 5.10pm.
Making his debut for the Wallabies, Corey Toole will step in at left wing, taking the place of Dylan Pietsch, who is sidelined with a fractured jaw sustained during the first Test.
There are three adjustments to the starting lineup, including the return of Rob Valetini, a two-time John Eales medallist, who will occupy the number eight position, replacing regular captain Harry Wilson, who is being rested after leaving the field with an injury in Johannesburg.
New Captain for the Wallabies
Having previously captained the Australia Under 20s, McReight is assuming leadership of the national team after taking over for Wilson last weekend during the Test.
“He is a quiet leader,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt noted following the announcement. “You don’t need someone who is remonstrating or saying a lot. We just need someone who is going to demonstrate the right performance on field that other people are going to follow. I think Fraser has demonstrated that.”
The final change to the matchday 23 is Tom Robertson, who will start as the loosehead prop. He comes in for James Slipper, who has returned home due to HIA protocols, joining Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou in the front row.
Nick Frost and Will Skelton will again form the second-row combination, with Tom Hooper rounding out the back five in the scrum.
The experienced duo of Nic White and James O’Connor have been selected to fill the halfback positions for this important Test in the 2025 Flight Centre Rugby Championship campaign. White stands out as the only player from the matchday squad who participated in the last Test held in Cape Town back in 2014.
Len Ikitau will start at inside centre, approaching his 50th cap for the Wallabies as he makes his 45th appearance. He will partner with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield, with the outside centre having scored his debut try in a gold jersey last Saturday.
Toole’s club teammate Tom Wright will assume the role of fullback for the 18th time across 19 Tests, while 20-year-old Max Jorgensen will take the position on the right wing, forming the back three.
Balanced Bench of Experience and Youth
The reserve front row includes Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, and Zane Nonggorr. Additionally, Jeremy Williams and Nick Champion de Crespigny will provide forward backup.
Queensland captain Tate McDermott is set to serve as the backup scrumhalf after showcasing his adaptability in Johannesburg, where he played on the wing and wrapped up the game as halfback. Sydney’s Tane Edmed will be the alternate flyhalf, and Andrew Kellaway completes the matchday 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt remarked, “The squad as a whole has recovered pretty well from what was a very draining and physical Test match on the highveld last week. “We struggled to contain a powerhouse Springbok start last weekend and we know that we have to improve leading into what’s likely to be a bruising encounter in Cape Town on Saturday night.”
Wallabies starting XV: Tom Wright (42 Tests), Max Jorgensen (12 Tests), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (9 Tests), Len Ikitau (44 Tests), Corey Toole (uncapped), James O’Connor (65 Tests), Nic White (74 Tests), Rob Valetini (53 Tests), Fraser McReight (c) (30 Tests), Tom Hooper (14 Tests), Will Skelton (35 Tests), Nick Frost (30 Tests), Taniela Tupou (60 Tests), Billy Pollard (11 Tests), Tom Robertson (33 Tests).
Bench: Brandon Paenga-Amosa (22 Tests), Angus Bell (40 Tests), Zane Nonggorr (13 Tests), Jeremy Williams (15 Tests), Nick Champion de Crespigny (1 Test), Tate McDermott (46 Tests), Tane Edmed (1 Test), Andrew Kellaway (42 Tests).
