New Wallabies coach Les Kiss has named his first team ahead of Saturday’s clash against Japan in Osaka, bringing uncapped and returning talent into a freshened-up lineup.
Team Selection and New Faces Under Les Kiss
According to coach Les Kiss, selecting the matchday 23 proved challenging after players pushed hard during the fortnight leading up to the fixture. Speaking through an official team statement, Kiss noted that the selected group carries the privilege and responsibility of wearing the gold jersey in Osaka on Saturday night.
In the tight five, Miles Amatosero partners Josh Canham in the second row following his Test debut against Italy. Aidan Ross slots into the front row alongside returning hooker Josh Nasser, who is back following a concussion protocol. Ross previously made his Wallabies debut in the corresponding fixture against Japan last year.
Did you know? The Wallabies have never lost a Test match against Japan, though Saturday’s fixture marks their first-ever meeting in Osaka.
Backline Adjustments and Halves Pairing
Coach Kiss has opted against rushing playmaker Carter Gordon back from a calf injury, choosing instead to back the ACT halves combination of halfback Ryan Lonergan and flyhalf Declan Meredith. In the midfield, Hunter Paisami fills the vacancy left by the injured Len Ikitau as the sole change to the starting backline.
The starting back three features Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii retaining his spot. On the bench, versatile back Isaac Henry has been named as a replacement, putting him in line for a potential Test debut.
Experienced Finishers on the Bench
The Wallabies have loaded their reserves with considerable Test experience to finish the match. Prop Angus Bell and lock Jeremy Williams drop back to finishing roles alongside Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, and loose forward Charlie Cale, who earns his first squad inclusion of the year.
Backline cover on the bench is provided by experienced halfback Tate McDermott and utility back Ben Donaldson, rounding out a 23-man squad designed to handle the pace of the game at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.
Wallabies Matchday 23 for Osaka Test
Starting XV:
1. Aidan Ross (3 Tests) | 2. Josh Nasser (13 Tests) | 3. Allan Alaalatoa (91 Tests) | 4. Josh Canham (5 Tests) | 5. Miles Amatosero (1 Test) | 6. Rob Valetini (65 Tests) | 7. Fraser McReight (42 Tests) | 8. Harry Wilson (c) (39 Tests) | 9. Ryan Lonergan (8 Tests) | 10. Declan Meredith (2 Tests) | 11. Harry Potter (12 Tests) | 12. Hunter Paisami (35 Tests) | 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (21 Tests) | 14. Max Jorgensen (23 Tests) | 15. Tom Wright (46 Tests)
Replacements:
16. Billy Pollard (21 Tests) | 17. Angus Bell (53 Tests) | 18. Taniela Tupou (70 Tests) | 19. Jeremy Williams (28 Tests) | 20. Charlie Cale (2 Tests) | 21. Tate McDermott (53 Tests) | 22. Ben Donaldson (21 Tests) | 23. Isaac Henry (uncapped)
Frequently Asked Questions
Les Kiss is coaching the Wallabies for their fixture against Japan.
The game takes place at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.
NSW Waratahs back Isaac Henry has been named on the bench for his potential first appearance in a gold jersey.