Code-hopper named to start for Wallabies as Joe Schmidt makes six changes for Test against Italy

Code-hopper Carter Gordon has been named to start for a refreshed Wallabies side against Italy in the country’s north on Sunday morning (AEDT), less than a month after being granted an early release from the Gold Coast Titans.

The 24-year-old fly-half will partner Jake Gordon in the halves as Joe Schmidt’s team looks to bounce back from last week’s 25-7 defeat to England in Twickenham.

Gordon will pull on the Wallabies jumper for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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Also set to return are hooker Matt Faessler, flanker Tom Hooper, winger Corey Toole, back-rower Pete Samu and prop Zane Nonggorr, with Schmidt making six changes to his match-day squad.

Samu has earned selection for his first Test since 2023, having returned to Australian rugby.

Carter Gordon. Getty

Gun centre Len Ikitau won’t line up this week despite having joined the squad in Udine in Italy’s north.

“The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend,” Schmidt said.

“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They’ll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.”