The Wallabies center, Hunter Paisami, could be one of the Australian players vying for a regular spot in the starting team, as coach Joe Schmidt prepares to make multiple changes for the single match against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday. Paisami is set to replace John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau at number 12, after the world-class midfielder officially began his nine-month stint with English club Exeter, in the Chiefs’ 38-0 victory over Harlequins on Sunday. Ikitau participated in one of the five Exeter trials in a typically solid display alongside his Brumbies and Wallabies teammate, Tom Hooper, who also made his official Premiership debut. The absence of the two Wallabies players from Schmidt’s team, who both started in the Bledisloe Cup defeat in Perth, as well as Will Skelton, and the withdrawal of James Slipper, means that there will be at least four changes in the starting XV of Australia that will face the Brave Blossoms. And it seems like the perfect opportunity for Paisami to make his case, as the only other start at center this season was in the narrow loss to Argentina in Sydney.
“We are interested, obviously. There are a few of us here, we have Hamish (Stewart), Filipo Daugunu as well, who can cover that 12 position,” Paisami said in Tokyo.
Hunter Paisami
“So it’s for us to simply push each other, compete, that way we can improve and hopefully get more playing time in the number 12 spot.”
Hunter Paisami
Schmidt could also consider Hamish Stewart at inside centre, but the fact that the Western Force midfielder was part of Australia A’s thumping 71-7 win over Japan XV suggests that a fresh Paisami is likely to be the chosen one.“Obviously, with the quality and consistency that Joey (Suaalii) and Len (Ikitau) have been playing with, it’s quite difficult to move away from that.”
Hunter Paisami
While Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was included directly in the starting team of the Wallabies against England after his switch from rugby league last year, Schmidt has Tane Edmed available as fly-half, and the Brumbies playmaker has already enjoyed two starts in the Rugby Championship. On the other hand, Rob Valetini looks set to be a sure starter after recovering from injury from the bench, the Brumbies’ flanker will apparently go straight into the number 6 position vacated by Hooper, while Fraser McReight’s heavy workload means Carlo Tizzano could finally be given a chance in the number 7 position. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams appear to be the most likely replacement options for Skelton, while Andrew Kellaway’s return from injury gives Schmidt more versatility in his three-quarter contingent. And Angus Bell, who has been largely used as a substitute this season behind Slipper, could finally get a chance at the number 1 spot after the Waratahs’ front row, who will take a period with Ulster after the Wallabies’ spring tour, completely missed the defeat to the All Blacks in Perth. Schmidt will confirm his team on Thursday afternoon for a match that, while the Wallabies themselves might not be buying into Eddie Jones’ revenge narrative, certainly has added significance for the broader Australian rugby community. But it’s also a dangerous match, in a way, as Australia has everything to lose and nothing to gain from a world ranking perspective, which is increasingly important in the countdown to the 2027 World Cup draw in Sydney in December.“If we don’t invest now, we’re not going to see benefits within two years, when that home World Cup is still a massive opportunity for us to really show what we can do in the game here in Australia”.
Joe Schmidt
