Wallabies Revamp Lineup with 13 New Starters and Name Two-Test Rookie as Captain for Japan Showdown
In a significant reshuffle, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has introduced 13 new starters for the upcoming Test match against Japan. This match marks the beginning of Australia’s end-of-season tour as they face Eddie Jones’s team in Tokyo.
Notable Changes in the Lineup
Only two players from the previous match against New Zealand remain in the starting lineup: halfbacks Tane Edmed and Jake Gordon. The new captain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, leads the revamped squad in his third Test appearance. Regular captain Harry Wilson will begin the match on the bench, allowing Rob Valetini to take the No. 8 position.
Emerging Players Take Stage
Replacements in key positions include:
- Carlo Tizzano steps in for the injured Fraser McReight at openside flanker.
- Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch both return from injuries to support the back three.
- Corey Toole gets the right wing starting position, replacing Filipo Daugunu.
Additionally, the center positions will be filled by Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook, who will form a new partnership. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was rested, while Len Ikitau has joined his new club in England.
Formation and Strategy
Despite not including flyhalf Carter Gordon in the replacements, the team will have Hamish Stewart available to cover both the flyhalf and center positions from the bench. Aidan Ross, who has made a previous international appearance for New Zealand, will be poised to become the fifth player to compete for both the All Blacks and the Wallabies.
As the team prepares for this critical match, Schmidt emphasized the need for caution against Japan. “The players have acclimatized well here in Tokyo,” he remarked. “We are aware of the challenge posed by the Brave Blossoms, who are tough competitors, especially on their home turf.”
Wallabies Starting Lineup
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Fullback | Andrew Kellaway |
| Wing | Corey Toole |
| Center | Josh Flook |
| Center | Hunter Paisami |
| Wing | Dylan Pietsch |
| Flyhalf | Tane Edmed |
| Scrumhalf | Jake Gordon |
| Prop | Angus Bell |
| Hooker | Josh Nasser |
| Prop | Zane Nonggorr |
| Lock | Jeremy Williams |
| Lock | Lukhan Salakaia-Loto |
| Flanker | Nick Champion de Crespigny (c) |
| Flanker | Carlo Tizzano |
| Number 8 | Rob Valetini |
This new lineup not only showcases fresh talent but also indicates the coaching staff’s strategic adjustments ahead of a challenging match against Japan.
