Ikitau, O’Connor, Alaalatoa headline Wallabies side as reinforcements arrive for Ireland showdown
The Wallabies have made sweeping changes to the side that lost to Italy, bringing in the cavalry as the side looks to bounce back against Ireland.
Headlining the changes will be the return of 2025 John Eales medalist Len Ikitau, who returns to the centres to partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, the pair having developed a lethal midfield combination playing in 12 of the Wallabies’ last 16 Tests.
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James O’Connor also returns to the starting side, partnering up with Jake Gordon in the halves, with Tane Edmed and Ryan Lonergan supporting from the bench.
Schmidt is also set to take to the Aviva Stadium turf with a new look back three, with Max Jorgensen returning to the fullback position and Filipo Daugunu also elevated to the starting side, with Harry Potter completing the back three.
The changes also continue in the front row, with 86-capped veteran Allan Alaalatoa making his long-awaited return to the starting side, joining Angus Bell and Matt Faessler in the front pack.
Tom Hooper will shift from the loose forwards into the second row to partner Jeremy Williams in the engine room, with Nick Frost dropping back to the bench as support.
Finally, Hooper’s movement sees Rob Valetini elevated back into the starting side after coming off the bench last week, reuniting with his long-time Wallaby collaborators Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson in the loose forwards.
From the bench, Billy Pollard will provide support with Tom Robertson and Zane Nonggorr completing the back-up front row, with Carlo Tizzano providing additional loose forward support and impact late in the match.
Completing the 23, Andrew Kellaway will shift onto the bench as the third and final backline option, serving as a valuable utility and offering options in several positions should any injury occur.
“It’s been a tough schedule, but we’ve tried to embrace that this week and tried to freshen up at the same time,” Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt said in an official statement.
“It’s another opportunity this Saturday to really challenge ourselves against one of the top teams in the world.”
Wallabies team to play Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin
1. Angus Bell (48 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Matt Faessler (16 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints
3. Allan Alaalatoa (86 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Jeremy Williams (23 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Tom Hooper (20 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
6. Rob Valetini (60 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (37 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (34 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (35 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. James O’Connor (70 Tests) – #832; St Joseph’s College, Nudgee
11. Harry Potter (9 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (48 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (16 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Filipo Daugunu (18 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
15. Max Jorgensen (18 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (19 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
17. Tom Robertson (38 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Kangaroos
18. Zane Nonggorr (18 Tests) – #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Nick Frost (36 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
20. Carlo Tizzano (12 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Ryan Lonergan (4 Tests) – #933; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Tane Edmed (7 Tests) – #990; West Harbour Juniors
23. Andrew Kellaway (48 Tests) – #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
