Simply days after being pummelled in a try-conceding sort out that may reside in Bledisloe Cup folklore, Tate McDermott has been handed the Wallabies captaincy for the return conflict in Dunedin.

Australia will area its seventh-least skilled XV at Forsyth Barr Stadium as coach Eddie Jones continues his regenerative path on the highway to the Rugby World Cup subsequent month.

Jones has turned to 24-year-old halfback McDermott to guide Australia in opposition to the All Blacks on Saturday and he’ll grow to be the 86th Wallabies skipper.

“Tate’s got all the attributes to be a great captain of his country,” Jones said.

“We’re definitely remodelling the team. We need to change the team from where we’ve been and part of it is definitely the leadership aspect.”

McDermott was buried by Scott Barrett after a lineout near the goal-line in just the third minute of Australia’s 38-7 loss at the MCG, allowing Shannon Frizell to score, but Jones backed him to bounce back in Dunedin.

“He’s a tough little bugger,” Jones said.

McDermott is the fourth different captain in Jones’ four Tests on his return as Wallabies coach, inheriting the role from prop Allan Alaalatoa who suffered a ruptured Achilles last weekend.

Longtime skipper Michael Hooper remains sidelined with a calf issue, while another of Australia’s regular leaders, James Slipper, will start on the bench.

Jones said he would re-assess the captaincy in coming weeks ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France starting next month.

Receiving the armband completes a remarkable turnaround for McDermott, who was overlooked by Jones in a 33-man training squad back in April.

“I’ve learned a lot in the last two years and I’ve learned a lot in the last month,” McDermott said.

“Just how quickly we can solve problems is probably the biggest one I’ve learned.

“I’ve got a lot of people around me to help me support and play my best footy.”

Saturday’s Test looms as a mighty challenge for an inexperienced side.

Jones has named an unchanged backline but overall, the starting XV has just 277 caps – the seventh-lowest total in the professional era.

Pone Fa’amausili will earn a first Test start, named at tighthead prop in place of Alalaatoa with Taniela Tupou also unavailable through injury.

Richie Arnold comes into the starting team at lock alongside Nick Frost with Will Skelton dropping to the bench while Fraser McReight is introduced as openside flanker and Tom Hooper shifts to the blindside.

Jones is sticking by 22-year-old Carter Gordon at five eighth after his shaky night with the boot in his starting debut last weekend and the coach hit back at critics.

“I don’t think I got (selection) wrong, mate. In fact, I’m going to get it right,” Jones snapped.

“To say that as a young No 10 in his first game [as a starter], ‘you’ve acquired it improper in deciding on him’ is only a load of garbage mate.

“So anybody who asks that query doesn’t know something about rugby.

“If you understand something about rugby you understand that No 10s want time within the seat. If you happen to don’t know something about rugby then don’t speak to me.”

The Wallabies haven’t gained in opposition to the All Blacks in New Zealand for 22 years (28 Checks).

McDermott was two years outdated when the Wallabies final defeated the All Blacks throughout the ditch, a 23-15 win that additionally got here within the South Island college metropolis, on the now-demolished Carisbrook.