Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has opted for a bold reshuffle as the Wallabies prepare to face Japan in a one-off test at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Saturday, a fixture designed as much for experimentation as for competition.
With a demanding European tour looming, Schmidt has taken the opportunity to test his squad’s depth, naming Nick Champion de Crespigny as captain in just his third international appearance. The Western Force flanker leads a refreshed back row featuring teammate Carlo Tizzano and powerhouse No. 8 Rob Valetini, while regular skipper Harry Wilson starts from the bench.
There’s also a potential milestone for Aidan Ross, the former All Blacks prop included among the replacements. Should he take the field, he’ll become only the fifth player in history to represent both New Zealand and Australia at test level.
Up front, Zane Nonggorr earns his maiden start at tighthead, packing down alongside Angus Bell and Josh Nasser, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams forming the engine room.
The backline sees further changes, with Schmidt resting Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i and Max Jorgensen to keep them fresh for next month’s European tour. Dylan Pietsch returns from a broken jaw to start on the left wing, joining Corey Toole and Andrew Kellaway in a pace-heavy back three.
Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed retain their halfback partnership, while Hunter Paisami links up with Josh Flook in a new-look midfield pairing.
Schmidt resisted calls to rush Carter Gordon back from his short rugby league stint, instead naming Hamish Stewart as flyhalf cover.
“It’s been great to get the group back together and introduce some new energy,” Schmidt said. “The players have settled in well here in Tokyo, and we know Japan will challenge us with their tempo and accuracy. They’re a difficult side to beat on home soil.”
The Wallabies are seeking to rebound from their 28–24 loss to New Zealand earlier this month, while Japan enters the clash on the back of a Pacific Nations Cup final defeat to Fiji.
After Tokyo, Australia’s attention will turn to their northern hemisphere tour ,a four-test series featuring matches against England (Nov 2, London), Italy (Nov 9, Udine), Ireland (Nov 16, Dublin), and France (Nov 23, Paris).
Wallabies Starting XV:
Andrew Kellaway, Corey Toole, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon; Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny (captain), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Nasser, Angus Bell. Replacements: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Tom Robertson, Josh Canham, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu.
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