Schmidt picks up size and ball-runners off the bench, and the rookie replaces Sleeper, who has been on a record-breaking roll.

Despite a second-half surge in Sydney, Joe Schmidt has resisted the urge to bring Brandon Penga-Amosa and Lucan Salakaia-Lotto into his starting 15, keeping faith in his growing side high ahead of Saturday’s second Bledisloe Test in Wellington.

As first revealed, Growling Schmidt followed in the footsteps of Scott Robertson and made minimal changes, with the first-year Wallabies coach making no changes to the forward pack and only making a few changes to the backline.

Jake Gordon, as reported, will replace Nick White, while Dylan Piech will replace Marika Koroivete, who suffered a wrist injury early in last weekend’s 31-28 loss.

There are three changes to the bench, with veteran loosehead prop James Sleeper, who became the Wallabies’ most capped player last weekend, out for Isaac Kylia. Other changes include Ben Donaldson and Josh Fluck coming off the bench.

After hooker Paenga-Amosa and lock Salakaia-Loto made huge impacts for the Wallabies in the second half, it was thought Schmidt would look to strengthen his pack. Instead, Schmidt kept faith in his established players, allowing the forwards to come off the bench again.

“We couldn’t help ourselves last weekend when we fell behind early on against a fast-moving, up-tempo All Blacks team,” Schmidt said.

“We know we need to start better than last week, with the physicality and accuracy we need.”

James Sleeper will not play against the All Blacks in Wellington. (Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Schmidt will undoubtedly ask starters Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou to get the ball on the pitch after both players were barely visible in the first half.

The Wallabies paid the price for their failed jump in Sydney.

From the first whistle, the Wallabies were inaccurate and failed to win the ball from their opening kick, with Noah Roletio missing his first touch, forcing Tom Wright to fire a kick downfield.

A shaky start led to chaos in the opening 15 minutes, with the defensive line collapsing and the team conceding three opening goals.

The Wallabies bounced back strongly in the final 20 minutes as Rangi Gleeson joined the force of Penga-Amosa and Salakaia-Lotto, but the gap eventually became too big to overcome.

Despite their valiant efforts, the Wallabies were not content to come close and come in “second”.

“It’s a long week in rugby so hopefully we can turn it around,” Salakaia-Lotto said earlier in the week.

“We were very process-oriented under Joe, always focused on the next moment and the moment in front of us.

“So, we’re very focused on making today a good day. Tuesday is a big day for us, a huge work day. So, checking those boxes, putting those components in place so we can perform on Saturday.

“We were obviously unhappy with the result at the weekend and would like to get a result this weekend. But we know it’s a process and we have to take it day by day and keep sharpening the axe.”

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto had a strong second-half cameo in Sydney but will once again come off the bench against the All Blacks. (Photo: Matt King/Getty Images)

Following criticism from New Zealand for a slower-than-expected start to their campaign under coach Robertson, the Wallabies were reluctant to provide the All Blacks with an extra weapon.

“It’s always tough playing away games,” said Salakaia-Lotto.

“Our record probably speaks for itself. It hasn’t been great here, but that doesn’t mean it can’t change. We understand that.

“At home the All Blacks are confident and they feed off the energy of the fans. I don’t know if I want to read too much into it, but the field is still the same size. 15 against 15, 80 minutes, we have to be good enough to take that chance as I said and we have to do that if we want to win.”

Wallabies (1-15): Angus Bell, Matt Paysler, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Rob Ballettini, Fraser McWright, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Noah Loresio, Dylan Piech, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright

armed reserve: Brandon Panga-Amosa, Isaac Kailia, Alan Alaratoa, Lucan Salakaia-Lotto, Rangi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Josh Fluck