Wallabies

Wallabies' NZ-born star Quade Cooper finally set to become Australian citizen

The New Zealand-born 33-year-old, who has played 75 tests for Australia, had been unhappy that his four previous applications for citizenship had been rejected because of the unique difficulties he faced meeting the requirements as an international sportsman.

Yet after the Australian government changed eligibility rules to ensure "distinguished applicants" like him could be made citizens, Cooper is now taking the test again in Japan where he's currently playing for Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.

Slipper to captain Wallabies

Hooper has been ruled out after suffering a "mid-foot" sprain in the defeat by England.

It is the second time that the front rower will take charge of the Wallabies after captaining the team in a test against the United States before the 2015 World Cup. He was then the first prop in almost 40 years to captain Australia.

Slipper made his test debut in 2010 and has since won 110 caps for Australia.

England make it eight in a row against Australia

Tries for Freddie Steward and Jamie Blamire and the pinpoint goalkicking of Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith settled a penalty-ridden game.

England made most of the running in the first half and scored a superb try through fullback Steward after seven minutes but as both teams conceded a succession of penalties, Farrell and James O'Connor punished each other from the tee to keep it tight at 16-12 at halftime.

The ragged, indisciplined nature continued in the second half.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie hits back at ex-All Black after loss to Scotland

Rennie, who himself conceded that his side had been far from their best in their 15-13 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield on Monday morning (AEDT), did not sound overly happy to hear how Stan Sport pundit Mehrtens had stuck the boot into the disjointed Australian performance.

“I worry a little bit for the Wallabies, because if they keep muddling through like they have in these last two games (against Japan and now Scotland), if they play like that again they’ll get a heap put on them,” Mehrtens, the 70-times capped All Black noted.

Scotland beat Wallabies again

Loose-forward Hamish Watson also crossed for a try, and flyhalf Finn Russell slotted one penalty and a conversion as the Scots kept up their winning run against Australia with a third successive victory.

Australia, who were beaten at the breakdown and in the scrum, managed a single try through loose-forward Rob Leota as prop Allan Alaalatoa also received a contested yellow card.

Russell landed the winning penalty after 69 minutes as the visitors were penalised at the scrum yet again, much to the delight of the home fans in the 65,700 crowd.

Wallabies overcome Japan in Oita to extend winning streak

Wingers Tom Wright and Jordan Petaia crossed for tries in the first half, while forwards Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota and Connal McInerney added scores after the break to maintain Australia's 100% record in six tests against Japan.

Japan, who scored tries through Lomano Lemeki and Ryoto Nakamura, drew within four points of the lead at 27-23 with five minutes remaining but debutant hooker McInerney touched down off the back of rolling maul to snuff out home hopes of an upset.

Paisami steps in for injured Kerevi as Wallabies unveil strong line-up

Kerevi failed to overcome an ankle injury to face the Brave Blossoms in Oita, with Paisami to play his first Test since August as he returns at inside centre.

Paisami is one of four changes to the starting XV with lock Matt Philip returning, his Rebels teammate Rob Leota recalled at blindside flanker and Tom Wright named on the wing in place of Marika Koroibete, who opted not to tour.

Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney is in line for a potential Test debut after being a surprise inclusion on the bench with Rennie admitting the rake role is wide open.

Cooper unsure of future

The experienced first-five was brought out of the international wilderness to play in the last four matches of the Rugby Championship, helping the Wallabies to two victories over world champions South Africa and two over Argentina.

Under World Rugby regulations, Cooper is eligible for release by his club for the November tests against Scotland, England and Wales, but Australia could not demand his services for Saturday's test against Japan.

Cooper remains uncertain if Test versus Japan is his last for 2021

Cooper is set to line up for the Oita Test on Saturday but may miss the remaining three Tests against Scotland, England and Wales.

The 33-year-old said a decision on his playing status was “above my pay grade” and he would support his club after it allowed him to join the Wallabies squad during the Rugby Championship. Cooper has played two seasons with the ambitious Liners, helping them back into Japan’s Top League competition for 2022.

Marika Koroibete ruled out of Wallabies’ spring tour

Koroibete did not play in the final test of The Rugby Championship, against Argentina, after being released to spend additional time with his family before the Wallabies’ tour of Japan and the UK.

But speaking to reporters on Sunday from Japan, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie revealed the superstar winger had played his last match for Australia - at least for the forseeable future.