The Wallabies center, Hunter Paisami, could be one of Australia’s key players who will have the opportunity to fight for a regular starting position, as Joe Schmidt prepares several changes for the individual test against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday. Paisami is ready to replace John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau at number 12. Ikitau will begin his nine-month stint with English club Exeter, following the Chiefs’ 38-0 victory over the Harlequins on Sunday. The absence of the Wallabies’ duo from Schmidt’s team, along with that of Will Skelton and the retirement of James Slipper, means there will be at least four changes in the starting XV of Australia that will face the Brave Blossoms. This situation presents itself as a perfect opportunity for Paisami to prove his worth, as his only other start this season came in the close defeat against Argentina in Sydney.
Schmidt could also consider Hamish Stewart at center, but the fact that the Western Force midfielder was part of Australia A’s resounding 71-7 victory over Japan XV suggests that Paisami is likely to get the nod.We are looking forward to the moment. We have several players here, like Hamish (Stewart) and Filipo Daugunu, who can also cover the number 12 position.
Hunter Paisami
Rob Valetini looks a sure starter after recovering from injury from the bench, the Brumbies’ back row looks set to slot straight into the number 6 jersey vacated by Hooper, while Fraser McReight’s heavy workload means Carlo Tizzano could finally get a chance at number 7. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams appear to be the replacement options for Skelton, while Andrew Kellaway’s return from injury gives Schmidt more versatility in his three-quarter contingent. Angus Bell, who has been largely used as a substitute this season behind Slipper, could finally get a chance at the number 1 position, after the Waratahs’ front row, who will spend a season with Ulster after the Wallabies’ spring tour, completely missed the defeat against the All Blacks in Perth. Schmidt will confirm his team on Thursday afternoon for a match that, although the Wallabies themselves may not agree with Eddie Jones’ revenge narrative, certainly has extra significance for the Australian rugby community in general. But it’s also a dangerous match, in a way, as Australia has everything to lose and nothing to gain from the perspective of world rankings, which is increasingly important in the countdown to the 2027 World Cup draw in Sydney in December.If we don’t invest now, we won’t see benefits within two years, when that home World Cup will still be a great opportunity to show what we can do in the game here in Australia.
Joe Schmidt
