Injury has forced Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to name an experimental back three for Saturday’s crunch Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks at their fortress Eden Park.

Tate McDermott earns his 50th cap at scrumhalf next to James O’Connor. Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaalii form the midfield, while an injury to Andrew Kellaway hands Max Jorgensen the No 15 jersey, joining Corey Toole and Harry Potter in a pacey but inexperienced back three.

MORE: All Blacks lose captain for Eden Park clash

James Slipper will become the first Wallaby to reach 150 Test caps.

The veteran prop joins an elite group of centurions worldwide, with only Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn Jones having played more Tests. Slipper packs down alongside Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou, with Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson complete the loose trio.

Debutant Ryan Lonergan headlines the bench, alongside fellow backline options Tane Edmed and Filipo Daugunu. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa provide front row depth, with Jeremy Williams and Carlo Tizzano covering the forwards.

“The squad have worked away this week, fully aware of the challenge that awaits at Eden Park,” said head coach Joe Schmidt.

“It’s a fitting occasion for James Slipper to reach the milestone of 150 Test matches and for Tate McDermott to represent the Wallabies for the 50th time.”

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WALLABIES – 15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Corey Toole, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper
Bench: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Filipo Daugunu

Your Wallabies to play the first Bledisloe Cup Test 🏆

NEXT UP
🆚 All Blacks
🗓️ Saturday September 27 | 3:00pm AEST
🏟️ Eden Park, Auckland
📺 @stansportau | @channel9 pic.twitter.com/WNayLjw8e3

— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 25, 2025

Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images