Wallabies team: Joe Schmidt makes sweeping changes as NRL recruit selected for Test return
Recent rugby union returnee Carter Gordon will win his first Wallabies cap since the 2023 World Cup this weekend, after being named in the starting XV to face Italy.
The fly-half is one of four changes within Joe Schmidt’s starting side, with Corey Toole, Matt Faessler and Tom Hooper also coming into the group.
Australia are hoping to kick-start their end-of-year tour this weekend in Udine, following a disappointing 25-7 defeat to England last Saturday.
Wallabies make four changes to starting XV
Andrew Kellaway retains his spot at 15 for a third successive Test, with Harry Potter and the aforementioned Toole joining him in the back-three. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Hunter Paisami continue in midfield this weekend, despite the return of John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau, with Gordon partnering Jake Gordon in the halves.
Skipper Harry Wilson continues at number eight, with Fraser McReight and Hooper completing the back-row. Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost again start in the locks, while Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell join Faessler in the front-row unit.
There is also a fresh-looking replacements bench this weekend, with Aidan Ross, Zane Nonggorr and Pete Samu coming into the 23, while Billy Pollard, Rob Valetini and Tane Edmed also drop down after starting in South West London last time out. Ryan Lonergan and Filipo Daugunu retain their spots on the bench.
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Commenting on his selection, Schmidt said: “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.
“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.
Team to face Italy in full
Wallabies: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Corey Toole, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Zane Nonggor, 19 Rob Valetini, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Filipo Daugunu
Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Kick-off: 18:40 local (17:40 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Hollie Davidson (SRU), Sam Grove-White (SRU)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
FRPO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
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